April 14 Students In Surabaya Will Held Demonstration, Mayor Eri Reminds Middle And High School Students Not To Join

Mayor of Surabaya Eri Cahyadi/Antara

SURABAYA - Mayor of Surabaya Eri Cahyadi appealed to junior high and high school students in his area not to take part in the demonstration that will be held by students on April 14, 2022.

"We hope that all schools, both junior and senior high schools, will give understanding to students not to go down the road, because this is not yet a part of it," said Mayor Eri Cahyadi in Surabaya, East Java, as reported by Antara, Wednesday, April 13.

The Student Executive Board Alliance (BEM) throughout Surabaya plans to hold a demonstration on April 14, 2022, to convey their aspirations regarding the draft law on criminal acts of sexual violence, agrarian reform, rising fuel prices, spikes in prices of basic foodstuffs, and tax increases.

"The student movement is natural, there has been a student movement from the start. It is indeed a call for it. But please students don't join in," said the Mayor of Surabaya.

He asked junior high schools (SMP), high schools (SMA), and high schools Vocational Schools (SMK) to provide understanding to students about demonstrations so that students are not easily provoked to take part in any demonstrations.

In addition, the Mayor appealed to students to prioritize polite and non-anarchic ways when expressing opinions in public.

"We entrust the entire campus to be able to collaborate with BEM. What is its function? Please convey your opinion politely. Please come down but guard the city. Don't destroy the city, so that people feel uncomfortable," he said.

"Students should also not be destructive or anarchic. Do not let this student's good intentions be ridiculed by a certain person or group," he added.

He also reminded that the act of voicing opinions in public has been regulated by law.