Students Demonstrate in Bandung, Highlighting Rupiah Weakness and Fuel Prices
A group of students from several universities in West Java Province held a protest in front of the West Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD Jabar) on Jalan Diponegoro, Bandung, on Thursday afternoon.
The combined student group demonstrated to voice the difficulties currently burdening the Indonesian people. Based on observations at the scene, the protesters carried several banners and posters containing criticisms of the policies of the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka administration.
Some of these criticisms related to the economy, specifically regarding fuel prices, the free nutritious meal (MBG) programme, and the weakening exchange rate of the Rupiah. They also criticised the ratification of the National Police Law (UU Polri), which extends the retirement age for police officers, allows placement in other institutions, and affects the term of office for the Chief of National Police.
Despite the harsh criticisms, the protest proceeded in an orderly and peaceful manner under police escort. The students also urged the completion of agrarian reform promises.
“We want to urge the state to realise true agrarian reform and national industrialisation as a way out of the many oppressions we experience. Among our various demands, we first hope to stop the MBG programme—stop it entirely! Because it clearly exhausts a large portion of the state budget,” said Ainul Mardhyah, Coordinator of the National Student Front (FMN) Greater Bandung, during the protest.
She stated that, in addition to being a waste of the state budget, the MBG programme has reportedly caused food poisoning in several children and citizens.
Furthermore, the protest aimed to urge the government to immediately lower fuel prices. The protesters argued that the Indonesian people deserve access to cheap and affordable transportation, especially amidst the rising prices of various basic necessities.
It is noted that on Wednesday, 10 June, the government increased the prices of non-subsidised fuel. Pertamax (RON 92) is now priced at Rp16,250 per litre, Pertamax Green 95 at Rp17,000 per litre, Pertamax Turbo at Rp20,750 per litre, Dexlite at Rp23,000 per litre, and Pertamina Dex at Rp24,800 per litre. Meanwhile, Pertalite (subsidised fuel) remains at Rp10,000 per litre, and Biosolar (subsidised fuel) remains at Rp6,800 per litre.
The Chairman of the UPI Student Executive Board (BEM UPI), Khallid Syhaeful, stated that the protest arose from shared anxieties among students regarding the nation’s condition, which is deemed to be facing various serious issues.
“Today, our goal is first, of course, to discuss the issues currently trending in society,” said Khallid.
In addition to conveying their aspirations, the students also wanted to demonstrate that the anxiety regarding the state’s condition is not felt by only a small group, but by many elements of society.
“Secondly, we want our action today to show that our peers have the same awareness and anxiety regarding how the government is currently failing to manage the country well,” he added.
According to Khallid, the demands brought by the students were the result of consolidation with various campuses and community elements. From the various inputs received, the issues were narrowed down into three main sectors.