Key Outcomes from Trisakti University Students' Meeting with the DPR
The leadership of the House of Representatives (DPR) received student representatives from Trisakti University, Esa Unggul University, Mercu Buana University, and the Islamic Students Association (HMI) following a demonstration in front of the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Friday, 19 June 2026. The meeting, which lasted about an hour and a half, resulted in a number of commitments from the DPR to follow up on the students’ demands.
DPR Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, along with Deputy Speaker Saan Mustopa and Chairman of Commission III Habiburokhman, conveyed the results of the meeting directly to the protesting crowd from atop a command vehicle.
Here are four key points from the meeting between the students and the DPR.
- DPR Promises Revocation of Suspect Status for Trisakti Students
One of the students’ demands discussed in the meeting was the fate of 16 Trisakti University students who were named suspects following a protest marking the 27th anniversary of the Trisakti Tragedy in front of Jakarta City Hall in May 2025.
Saan Mustopa stated that the Chairman of Commission III had communicated with the police regarding the case. “Regarding the 16 Trisakti students, whose status is still suspect but have not been processed, the Chairman of Commission III has been in communication. Within the next week, God willing, the suspect status of those 16 Trisakti students will be revoked,” Saan said.
Additionally, the DPR is working to secure the release of two Mercu Buana University students who were arrested by police before participating in the demonstration at the DPR. “Why were they detained? Because they were carrying petrol. But tonight, as soon as this demonstration disperses, they will be released immediately,” Saan stated.
- Demand for MBG Suspension Conveyed Directly to BGN Head
During the meeting, Dasco contacted the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, via telephone. This step was taken to convey the students’ aspirations requesting an evaluation and temporary suspension of the free nutritious meal programme (MBG).
According to Saan, the BGN is currently conducting a review and evaluation of the programme’s budget. “In the remaining time, there are governance savings of around Rp 70 trillion from the review of inefficient aspects of the MBG programme,” he said.
The DPR also opened the possibility of arranging a direct meeting between the students and the BGN should the students require further explanation regarding the programme.
- DPR Contacts Bahlil Regarding Fuel Scarcity and Prices
Besides the MBG, the issue of subsidised fuel scarcity and rising fuel prices was also a concern for the students.
Dasco telephoned the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, during the meeting. According to Saan, the conversation was listened to directly by the students. The students highlighted the scarcity of subsidised fuel in several regions and the price increase of non-subsidised fuels such as Pertamax.
Saan said Bahlil promised to resolve the issue in the near future. “We requested, especially regarding the sudden price increase, because globally there has also been an improvement, that the scheme related to the decrease will also be resolved quickly,” Saan said.
- DPR Ready to Facilitate Student Dialogue with the Government
The DPR also promised to forward the various student demands to the government. The aspirations conveyed not only concerned the MBG and fuel but also economic and political stability, evaluation of national strategic programmes, civilian supremacy, and the fate of honorary teachers.
Saan stated that the DPR is ready to act as a facilitator for direct dialogue between the students and the government. “Issues regarding honorary teachers and so forth will all be conveyed. The matter of upholding civilian supremacy was also raised, and we will directly follow up with the relevant parties,” he said.
Previously, thousands of students from Trisakti University, Esa Unggul University, Mercu Buana University, and HMI held a demonstration in front of the DPR Building. They demanded the restoration of the national economy and politics, the eradication of incompetence among state officials, the return of civilian supremacy, an evaluation of national strategic programmes, and the strengthening of the DPR’s oversight function over the government.
Trisakti University Student President Dhenni Ribowo stated that the students would monitor the realisation of the promises made by the DPR. “We await the promises and hope to see the results. Do not toy with the issue of people’s livelihoods. The public is already fed up with emotion. The government will certainly be affected,” Dhenni said.