Peaceful April 11 Demo, Coordinating Minister Mahfud MD Praises Head Of BIN: Successfully Map Routes And Nearly Accurate Number Of Participants

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD (Photo via Ministry)

JAKARTA - The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD expressed his appreciation to the officers who had kept the student demonstrations running on Monday, April 11th, so that they ran smoothly and safely.

In addition, Mahfud also conveyed his appreciation to the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) which had succeeded in mapping out mass movements the day before the demonstration.

"First, I would like to thank the officers who have worked hard in the field. The National Police Chief is with the Regional Police Chief," said Mahfud in a video caption that was shown on the YouTube of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Tuesday, April 12.

"Then there is the Head of BIN and all his staff who have succeeded in mapping out the situation the day before, including the route and the number of participants, which is almost accurate than previously reported," added the former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK).

Mahfud said this activity also did not experience any significant incidents. Because, the handling is done humanely.

Furthermore, Mahfud said the government had never banned demonstrations such as those carried out by students in various regions in the country. He said that this kind of aspiration conveying activity is something that has always been fought for in the practice of democracy.

Instead of banning, the government is happy and always listens to suggestions.

"The government is happy to hear that the aspiration is conveyed properly and the government will never hinder it because that is what we were fighting for in the past," he said.

In addition, Mahfud ensured that what the students said would be heard. Moreover, the submission of these aspirations is done openly.

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

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.