Syahganda Urges Students to Keep 28 October Protest Peaceful

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the Indonesian Government Communications Agency (Bakom), Syahganda Nainggolan, has urged students and other members of the public to ensure that the demonstration on 28 October 2026 is orderly, safe and peaceful.

“The government urges all students and members of the public who will express their aspirations at the demonstration on 28 October 2026 to conduct the event in an orderly, safe and peaceful manner,” Syahganda said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Syahganda stressed that the government respects every citizen’s right, including that of students, to express opinions in public in accordance with the laws and regulations.

He said expressing aspirations was an important part of democratic life. The space for people to voice their opinions therefore needed to be safeguarded collectively so that it could benefit the nation and the state.

“The government will remain open to public input, and this interaction is a positive space that we need to protect together,” he said.

Syahganda said differences of opinion and criticism were normal in a democracy. He hoped that peacefully and responsibly expressed aspirations would form part of healthy communication between the public and the government.

“Expressions of public aspirations should prioritise peaceful methods, deliberation and dialogue, rather than provocation or violence,” he said.

The government also urged the public to be discerning when receiving and sharing information, particularly amid circumstances that could give rise to a range of claims in the public sphere.

“People are urged not to spread hoaxes or information that could aggravate the situation,” Syahganda said.