PDIP denies instigating student demonstration, asks for investigation into alleged participants

Illustration of student demonstration in the Senayan area of the Indonesian House of Representatives in Jakarta (VOI)

SLEMAN - Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Hasto Kristiyanto denied allegations that his party was behind a number of student demonstrations who later criticized the government. Hasto emphasized that PDIP still adheres to the interests of the people and the Pancasila values so that the allegations are considered unfounded.

Hasto made the statement while attending an activity at the Gadjah Mada University (UGM) Campus, Sleman, Yogyakarta Special Region, Thursday, June 25. According to him, PDIP will continue to fight for the aspirations of the people in accordance with the party's ideology and is not influenced by various accusations that link his party with the student movement.

"PDIP remains consistent in fighting for the interests of the people and the values of Pancasila. Various accusations linking PDIP with student demonstrations will not change the party's political stance," said Hasto.

Hasto emphasized that the most important thing is to ensure that the democratic space remains open for all elements of society, including students. According to him, students have the right to express criticism, ideas, and aspirations independently for the sake of the nation and state.

On the same occasion, Hasto also responded to the confession of a number of students who admitted receiving money while participating in demonstrations. He appreciated the courage of the students who made the confession because it was considered to help uncover the alleged existence of parties who tried to influence the direction of the student movement.

According to Hasto, this confession is important to maintain the purity of the student movement so that it is not influenced by certain political interests. He assessed that the issue needed to be followed up so as not to create speculation among the public.

"What we see is the courage to admit that someone is trying to turn the course of the student movement, which is full of idealism, full of the purity of patriotism in responding to various national and state issues. This must be followed up so that the purity of student movement with concrete ideas remains maintained," said Hasto.

Furthermore, Hasto assessed that the student movement has a strategic position in Indonesian democratic life. Therefore, every indication that has the potential to disrupt student independence needs to be given serious attention from all parties.

He added that students have always been one of the moral forces that play a role in delivering constructive criticism and ideas to encourage improvements in government governance and national development.

In addition, Hasto also highlighted the relationship between the student movement and the dynamics of national politics based on Indonesia's historical experience. According to him, in a number of periods, the student movement is often associated with various political interests that develop at that time.

"If we look at the use of student movements for political interests, it happens a lot. In the 1965 event, the student movement was also ridden by political interests due to the Cold War," he said.

Regarding the confession of students who received money while demonstrating, Hasto considered that there needed to be clarification from the parties involved so that the issue would be clear and not cause a prolonged controversy. According to him, transparency is an important step to maintain public confidence in the student movement as one of the pillars of democracy.