DPR Deputy Speaker Dasco Calls Ministers Over Student Protest Demands

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, contacted the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, and the Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Nanik S. Deyang, while receiving an audience with students demonstrating at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Friday, regarding several of their demands.

According to the Deputy Speaker of the House, Saan Mustopa, who was also present during the audience, the students were able to hear the direct responses from Bahlability and Nanik regarding the various aspirations presented.

“Everyone is committed to maintaining national economic and political stability,” Saan stated during a press conference following the audience.

He noted that the government also explained an estimated budget efficiency of approximately Rp70 trillion, derived from auditing various ineffective expenditure items, to support the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme.

Regarding demands concerning the price increase of Pertamax and the scarcity of subsidised fuel (BBM), Saan said Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia promised to strive to resolve these issues, including ensuring the availability of subsidised fuel for the public.

“Political and economic stability is crucial because it affects various sectors of people’s lives, and this is also one of the students’ concerns,” he added.

Meanwhile, the President of Trisakti University Students, Dhenni Ribowo, expressed hope that the House of Representatives would truly perform its function as a bridge for public aspirations to the government.

“Do not experiment with people’s basic needs. Because if the people become hungry and emotional, the government will certainly bear the consequences,” said Dhenni.