Anarchist Student Demonstrations Do Not Show Real Contribution

JAKARTA — The recent large-scale demonstrations, such as the “Dark Indonesia” movement, have not provided real solutions for the community.

On the contrary, these actions have the potential to mislead public opinion without offering concrete contributions to national development.

Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, emphasized that expressing opinions in public spaces is a natural thing in a democracy.

However, he reminded demonstrators to be more careful in understanding the issues being voiced, especially regarding budget efficiency.

“If I may appeal to fellow students, please also be more observant because what was conveyed yesterday regarding the issue of efficiency has been detailed since Friday, here (DPR) it was conveyed by the Minister of Finance, I was also present,” he said.

“Then the DPR leadership was also present,” said Prasetyo

He also emphasized that budget efficiency has no impact on the education sector.

“That’s not true, there is no impact on education, especially for students. The KIP issue, then the IPI scholarship, all of them are still running, LPDP is still running,” he explained.

In line with that, the Deputy Chairperson of PAN, Eddy Soeparno, stated that the Indonesian nation must remain optimistic.

“A pessimistic view will certainly see darkness and a dead end. An optimistic view believes that there will always be light at the end of the tunnel,” he said,

Eddy also considered that the government had provided the widest possible space for various parties to convey ideas and input.

“Rather than being part of cursing the darkness, I choose to be the party that lights the candle,” he continued.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairperson of the Gerindra Party, Budisatrio Djiwandono, emphasized that demonstrations are a democratic right protected by law.

However, he reminded that students who took to the streets should truly represent all Indonesian people.

“Let’s use the opportunity that exists because what the government plans and implements is what we all want,” said Budi.

“And please, if students represent the people, represent all Indonesian people,” he emphasized at the Agrinnovation Conference in Central Jakarta,

The demonstration movement that only highlights pessimism without providing real solutions is feared to worsen the situation and affect national stability.

The government emphasized that the policies taken continue to be based on the interests of the people and open up discussion space for all parties. (*)