Projo Says Gibran Meeting Students Shows Palace Doors Are Wide Open

The Central Executive Board of Projo has responded positively to Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s decision to receive student representatives at the Vice Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday (15/6). Projo Secretary-General Freddy Alex Damanik viewed the meeting as bridging the information gap between the government and the people. He considered the meeting as proof that the government is not anti-criticism.

“Mas Wapres Gibran is conducting healthy political communication. The palace doors are opened wide to listen to the anxieties of the youth,” Freddy said in a written statement on Tuesday (16/6). He stated that Gibran’s willingness to meet with students shows the government respects democracy and prioritises the people’s aspirations.

Furthermore, he said Gibran openly acknowledged shortcomings in the government and affirmed a commitment to continuous improvement. During the dialogue with students, Gibran reportedly noted down the students’ demands, ranging from an evaluation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, economic policies, to education regulations.

“Mas Wapres also conveyed his commitment to directly deliver the notes of these aspirations to President Prabowo Subianto,” Freddy said. Gibran’s meeting with students was held amidst a series of demonstrations in several major Indonesian cities. Students were protesting the implementation of several government priority programmes. Present at the Vice Presidential Palace were students from Bung Karno University (UBK), MH Thamrin University, and the Open University.