Tarakan Students Demand Reduction in Fuel Prices and Cancellation of Revision of TNI-Polri Law

TARAKAN - Hundreds of students and people who are members of the Tarakan Movement Alliance held a demonstration in the yard of the Tarakan City DPRD office.

In the action which was marked by tire burning, the masses urged the government to reduce the price of fuel oil (BBM) and cancel the revision of the TNI and Polri Law which was considered to threaten the spirit of reform.

The action took place with the escort of security personnel. The crowd took turns delivering speeches and carrying a number of demands addressed to the central and regional governments.

Aliansi Tarakan Bergerak Field Coordinator, Anhari Firdaus said the action was a form of unrest for students and the community against various policies that were considered not to be in the people's favor.

"This action was initiated by the student movement and also people from various campuses. There are nine demands that we have submitted, ranging from reducing the price of fuel and basic commodities to urging the enactment of the Asset Confiscation Law," said Anhari, Monday, June 15.

Anhari emphasized that the reduction in fuel prices was one of the main demands because the high cost of energy was considered to be increasingly burdening the community, especially when the subsidized fuel quota was no longer available.

He also gave an example of the condition of the people in North Kalimantan (kaltara) who often have to buy non-subsidized fuel at a much higher price.

"We see that although Pertalite is still there, it is limited. When it runs out, people are forced to buy Pertamax which can cost up to Rp. 17 thousand per liter in North Kalimantan. This is very burdensome," he said.

Apart from the issue of fuel, the masses also rejected a number of national policies that were considered not pro-people. One of the highlights was the revision of the TNI and Polri laws.

Students assess that the change in regulation has the potential to reduce the values of reform which have long been the foundation of democracy in Indonesia.

"Since 2025 to 2026, we have consistently rejected the revision of the TNI and Polri Law because we consider it to be a betrayal of the spirit of the 1998 Reformasi," explained Anhari.

In their action, the masses also voiced their rejection of a number of national programs such as Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) and the development of the Red and White Cooperative. In addition, they urged the acceleration of the enactment of the Asset Confiscation Law as an instrument for eradicating corruption.

"We also criticize regional policies, including the plan to relocate the Tarakan City government center, which is considered inappropriate in the midst of budget efficiency policies," he said.

Because, the budget needed for the project should be allocated for programs that have a more direct impact on the community.

In addition, the Tarakan Movement Alliance also encourages the formation of the Local Workers Regional Regulation (Perda) to provide protection and priority for employment opportunities for local children in the midst of investment in Kaltara.

Even though the Tarakan City DPRD has accepted all the aspirations conveyed in the action, the masses still gave the government a two-day deadline to show follow-up on the demands submitted.

"We give two days. If it is not fulfilled, we will follow up," he said.