Responding To Student Protests, Mahfud MD: The Government Loves Hearing Aspirations And Will Never Stop It

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD said the government appreciated the demonstrations carried out by students in various cities in the country yesterday.

He said the government always listens to the aspirations expressed and has never hindered these activities. Moreover, the demonstrations were carried out safely and smoothly.

"Highest appreciation, the government is happy to hear that the aspirations are well conveyed and the government will never hinder it because that is what we were fighting for," said Mahfud in a video caption uploaded to the YouTube Kemenko Polhukam RI, Tuesday, April 12.

He said the government always listens to the aspirations of all parties, including students. In addition, Mahfud also said that the DPR RI is ready to follow up on various inputs submitted through the action.

"We have heard your aspirations after you conveyed them openly and the DPR leadership has also promised to follow up according to the aspirations of students," he said.

Mahfud also appreciated the smooth and safe operation of the demonstration without any significant incidents. He also thanked the officers on duty in the field.

"I thank the officers who have worked hard in the field. The National Police Chief along with the Regional Police Chief, then there is the Head of BIN and all his staff who have managed to map out the situation the day before," he said.

"I also give high appreciation to students with various elements and various universities and colleges who have expressed their aspirations through demonstrations in a good and orderly manner," added the former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK).

As previously reported, the student alliance who are members of the All-Indonesian Student Executive Board (BEM SI) held a demonstration in front of the DPR/MPR building on Monday, April 11.

They urged and demanded that the people's representatives listen and convey the aspirations of the people, not the aspirations of the party. After giving speeches, they were met by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Lodewijk F. Paulus, and Rahmat Gobel. The National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo was also present.

Not only that, in their action, the masses also demanded people's representatives not to betray the state constitution by making amendments, firmly rejecting the postponement of the 2024 election or a 3 term term of office.