DPR Deputy Speaker Dasco Calls Ministers Over Student Protest Demands

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Sufmi Dasco Ahmad telephoned Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia and Head of the National Nutrition Agency Nanik S. Deyang whilst receiving student demonstrators at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Friday. According to fellow Deputy Speaker Saan Mustopa, who also attended the audience, the students were able to hear the officials’ direct responses to their various demands. “All parties are committed to maintaining national economic and political stability,” Saan stated during a press conference following the meeting. He noted that the government explained approximately Rp70 trillion in budget efficiencies, derived from trimming less effective spending items, to support the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal programme. Regarding demands over the rising price of Pertamax fuel and shortages of subsidised fuel, Saan said Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia pledged to address the issue, including ensuring the availability of subsidised fuel for the public. “Political and economic stability is crucial because it affects all sectors of public life, and this is also a concern for the students,” he remarked. Meanwhile, Trisakti University Student President Dhenni Ribowo expressed hope that the DPR would genuinely fulfil its role as a conduit for public aspirations to the government. “Do not toy with issues concerning people’s stomachs. Because when the people are hungry and emotional, the government will ultimately bear the consequences,” Dhenni said.