Mahfud MD Urges President to Clarify Allegations of Paid Student Protests

Former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD has spoken out regarding allegations that student demonstrations are being orchestrated by certain parties in exchange for material rewards. When asked by journalists about the President’s speech hinting at paid protests, Mahfud challenged the government to be transparent and openly reveal the masterminds and groups in question. “Sir (President), just announce it, who exactly is being paid, who is paying? I do not know who is being referred to,” Mahfud said during an interview. According to Mahfud, if the government possesses data on individuals funding or students receiving payment, this should be disclosed to the public to avoid causing uproar and mutual suspicion within society. “It must be spoken about openly. This Student Executive Board (BEM) was paid, this is the payer, like that. So far, the suspected (payer) is not a private individual, is it? It is an insider, right?” he continued, speculating. Mahfud did not deny that in the history of student movements, there has always been a small group that deviates from the mainstream struggle for certain interests. However, he stressed that such groups are merely minor ripples that are easily identifiable. He urged today’s student movement to remain focused on the essence of the struggle and not be swayed by attempts to sow discord through the formation of rival BEMs. “Students should not allow themselves to be divided, with rival BEMs, this BEM, that BEM. Just fight objectively, because improvements are needed now,” Mahfud asserted. He also contrasted the students’ method of criticising, which is always based on concrete data, with the government’s unilateral claims. “Students are clear. If you just say students are paid, then who is to be fixed among us?” he concluded.