Student Alliance Alleges Ex-Military Figure Behind Free Meal Programme Opposition

The BEM Bersatu student alliance suspects that a retired high-ranking military officer, identified as a former TNI Lieutenant General with the initials SS, is behind the movement opposing the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. Alliance spokesperson Rahmat Djimbula stated in a Jakarta press conference that one indication is the vehicle ownership of former Gadjah Mada University BEM chairman Tiyo Ardianto, who has recently criticised the programme. “We see strong indications of practical political actors’ involvement in this movement. One of the action leaders, Tiyo Ardianto, is suspected of having close ties to certain political networks. The Fortuner vehicle he used is allegedly registered under the name SN, the sibling of retired Lieutenant General SS, who is the in-law of retired General AP, a figure from Ganjar Pranowo’s 2024 presidential campaign team. This suspicion is reinforced by the presence of PDI Perjuangan politician AW among the protesters,” Rahmat said. He added that the alleged connection is further strengthened by Tiyo Ardianto’s attendance at a national dialogue forum in Bandung on 18 June 2026 alongside figures such as Said Didu, Roy Suryo, Refly Harun, and Dr Tifa, where retired Lieutenant General SS was also reportedly present. BEM Bersatu declared its rejection of student movements being co-opted for practical political purposes. “We, BEM Bersatu, reject any form of hijacking of student movements by practical political interests. The student movement must remain the voice of the people, not a tool for elites in power struggles,” Rahmat said, responding to recent student protests. The alliance criticised recent demonstrations for lacking substantive study, weak argumentation, and unclear demands, questioning whether they still sided with the people or had been infiltrated by hidden agendas. BEM Bersatu also questioned the prioritisation of issues, noting that while basic public needs remain pressing, attention has been diverted to less urgent matters. “Meanwhile, the free nutritious meal programme, which directly impacts public nutrition and welfare, has become a target of rejection, even though governance improvements are still needed,” Rahmat said. The alliance also rejected crisis narratives it deemed not based on complete data, warning they could distract public focus from crucial agendas such as corruption eradication. It expressed regret over alleged exploitation of student actions by external parties, as clarified by several university BEMs, including those from Jakarta State University and Indraprasta PGRI University. BEM Bersatu urged the sterilisation of student movements from political funding, facilities, and any form of practical political intervention. It voiced support for the continuation of the MBG programme with improved governance, called for impartial investigation of alleged corruption cases, and invited Indonesian students to critically and objectively monitor the legal process.