Students Protest at DPR Highlighting Environmental Exploitation in Papua

Dozens of students, organised under the Executive Council of Islamic State Universities across Indonesia, held a protest in front of the parliamentary complex gates on Friday (5/6). The demonstration coincided with World Environment Day, with students specifically highlighting environmental exploitation in Papua, which they argued does not benefit the local community. “Stop exploitation. The environment is not a victim of development,” read one of the banners displayed by the protesters.

An orator speaking from the command vehicle expressed deep concern regarding the welfare of the community amidst such exploitation, noting that many parents are struggling to provide for their children’s futures. The speaker criticised public officials for failing to use their strategic positions to enact policies that promote meaningful change. “A mother who cannot afford milk for her child—is that right? Yet those in strategic positions in this country are making policies that are not oriented towards better change,” the orator stated.

Furthermore, the students highlighted the case of terror against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus, criticising the arrogance of authorities in responding to public criticism. The protest included collective prayers and tyre burning, all conducted under heavy police escort. The orator concluded by expressing unease with the current state of the nation, stating that officials should utilise both intellect and empathy, yet are failing to do so.