Grahadi Protest Disperses Peacefully, Students Vow Follow-Up Action
A demonstration by thousands of students in front of the Grahadi State Building in Surabaya ended peacefully. They stated they would stage follow-up actions if the government does not undertake reforms.
The students dispersed after an unidentified group dressed in black burned rubbish and posters of President Prabowo Subianto amidst the crowd, repeatedly shouting “Revolution! Revolution! Revolution!”. Shortly afterwards, students from various universities chose to withdraw and gradually leave, while the black-clad group remained in front of Grahadi for some time.
President of the University of Airlangga (Unair) Student Executive Board (BEM), M Rizqi Senja Virawan, said the action was joined by student elements from various campuses across East Java. “We are together with friends from the East Java BEM alliance, including BEM SI East Java and friends from UPN Veteran East Java and others,” Rizqi said.
During the protest, students voiced several demands to the central government, including the cessation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme and the Red and White Village Cooperatives. “We are here with one voice to demand the cessation of the Free Nutritious Meals programme and the Red and White Village Cooperatives programme,” he stated.
Additionally, the students demanded the revocation of the Police Law and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Law, which they consider to open space for militarism in the civilian realm. “We also demand the revocation of the Police Law and the TNI Law. Furthermore, we reject the practice of militarism in the civilian sphere,” he said.
He emphasised that the action was not aimed at requesting an audience with specific officials. According to him, meetings with officials so far have not produced any real impact on student demands. “We feel that even when officials meet us, they never provide any impact for us after volumes of demonstrations over the last few years,” he said.
Rizqi explained that the main goal of the action was to educate and raise awareness among the wider public about the country’s current social, political, and economic conditions. “So the goal is for us to educate and raise awareness among the wider public that the country today is not in good shape,” he said.
He also confirmed there would be follow-up actions by students if the government continues to fail to make improvements. “There will be follow-up actions when the government never reforms,” he stated.
Furthermore, Rizqi conveyed a message of solidarity to students in various regions who held similar actions on the same day. “The message of solidarity we want to convey from the East Java student alliance is that the fragmentation in each region is a sign that students today are still sensitive, still critical in overseeing state policy and power,” he said.
“Today we are students and later we will invite the entire wider community to truly pay attention that the state is now being taken over by cronies who only care about their own stomachs,” he continued. He also invited all elements of society to voice their stance in their own ways.
The complete 16-point list of demands from BEM Unair is as follows:
Demand the strengthening of the integrity and independence of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
Urge the acceleration of the deliberation and ratification of the Asset Forfeiture Bill and the Indigenous Peoples Bill.
Reject militarism and urge the return of the military to its national defence function in accordance with the principle of civilian supremacy.
Stop the anti-criticism culture and guarantee freedom of expression in democratic life.
Thoroughly investigate alleged corruption in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme involving government officials.
Thoroughly investigate the issuance of fake Mining Business Permits (IUP) involving the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM).
Stop extractive projects that destroy the living spaces of communities and restore damaged ecosystems.
Stop the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme and the Red and White Village Cooperatives (KDMP).
Demand an apology to the people and a total evaluation of the performance of the Prabowo-Gibran administration.
Unconditionally release all political prisoners.
Restore the independence of Bank Indonesia by prioritising monetary competence and expertise in its leadership structure.
Stop all forms of repressive actions by the authorities against civil society.
Guarantee the welfare of educators, education personnel, and health workers.
Demand equitable access to and facilities for health and education, particularly in disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions.
Stop labour exploitation practices and all forms of gender discrimination in the workplace.
Stop all forms of repression against the press and guarantee press freedom as a pillar of democracy.