Student Alliance Alleges Ex-Military Figure Behind Free Meal Programme Opposition
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The student alliance known as BEM Bersitu suspects that a former high-ranking military official, namely retired TNI General SS, is behind the movement opposing the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme.
BEM Bersatu spokesperson Rahmat Djimbula stated during a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday that one indication is visible through the vehicle ownership of Tiyo Ardianto, a former Chairman of the Gadjah Mada University Student Executive Board (BEM) who has recently criticised the programme.
“We see strong indications of the involvement of practical political actors in this movement. One of the protest leaders, Tiyo Ardianto, is suspected of having close ties to certain political networks. The Fortuner vehicle used is allegedly registered under the name of SN, the younger sibling of retired Lieutenant General SS, who is the son-in-law of retired TNI General AP, a figure from Ganjar Pranowo’s winning team in the 2024 Presidential Election. This suspicion is further strengthened by the presence of PDI Perjuangan politician AW amidst the protesters,” said Rahmat.
According to him, the suspected link between the two is reinforced by Tiyo’s presence in the same forum as the retired official.
“This connection is also strengthened by Tiyo Ardianto’s presence in a national discourse forum in Bandung on 18 June 2026 alongside several figures, such as Said Didu, Roy Suryo, Refly Harun, and dr. Tifa. In the same forum, retired Lieutenant General SS was also recorded as present, indicating a network that warrants close scrutiny,” said Rahmat.
During the press conference, BEM Bersatu declared its rejection of student movements that are being ridden by practical political interests.
“We, BEM Bersatu, reject all forms of student movements being hijacked by practical political interests. Student movements must remain the voice of the people, not a tool for elites in the struggle for power,” said Rahmat.
This statement was made in response to several recent student protests.
“We assess that several recent student actions have begun to lose direction, marked by a lack of study, weak arguments, and unclear substance in their demands. This condition raises questions as to whether the movement still sides with the people or has been infiltrated by certain agendas,” he said.
BEM Bersatu also questioned the priority of the issues being raised. According to the alliance, amidst the fundamental needs of the community, attention is instead being diverted to issues that are not of primary urgency.
“Meanwhile, the free nutritious meal programme, which has a direct impact on the nutrition and welfare of the community, has become a target of opposition, even though improvements in governance are still required,” said Rahmat.
Furthermore, BEM Bersatu stated that it rejects narratives of crisis which, according to them, are not based on complete data. This is considered potentially capable of diverting public focus from important agendas, such as the eradication of corruption.
“We regret the suspected exploitation of student protests by outside parties, as has been clarified by several BEMs, including the State University of Jakarta and Unindra (University of Indraprasta PGRI),” he said.
Rahmat further stated that BEM Bersatu urges the sterilisation of student movements from funding, facilities, and all forms of practical political intervention.
BEM Bersatu also supports the continuation of the MBG programme with the caveat of improved governance, supports the investigation of alleged corruption cases without discrimination, and invites Indonesian students to critically and objectively monitor the legal process of such investigations.
“BEM Bersatu will continue to guard the purity of the student movement to ensure it remains independent, sides with the people, and is free from political elite intervention,” he said.