Airlangga University Students Plan Demonstration in Surabaya

The Student Executive Body (BEM) of Airlangga University (Unair), along with an alliance calling themselves Ksatria Airlangga, are preparing to hold a demonstration in front of the Grahadi Building in Surabaya on Wednesday. The protest is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM Western Indonesian Time.

M. Rizqi Senja Virawan, President of BEM Unair, stated that the demonstration is initiated by Unair students to urge the government to cease several national programs deemed ineffective and burdensome to the state budget. Rizqi mentioned that the students have conducted studies and compiled at least 16 demands for the action. Two primary demands focus on halting the "Free Nutritious Food" program and the "Red and White Village Cooperative," as well as revoking the Police Law and the Military Law.

“

For our demands, there are actually 16. But the main demands are to stop the Free Nutritious Food program and the Red and White Village Cooperative. Then revoke the Police Law and the Military Law. Those are the most important demands.

Other demands include accelerating the discussion and ratification of the Asset Forfeiture Bill and the Indigenous Peoples Bill. The students also oppose militarism and call for the military's return to its defense function, adhering to the principle of civilian supremacy. BEM Unair further demands that the state and its apparatus cease all forms of repressive actions against civilians and unconditionally release all political prisoners.

“

If we talk about Grahadi itself, we are actually aiming to educate more that the country is not doing well. So we are not targeting that officials will come down to sign anything at Grahadi.

The Ksatria Airlangga alliance also seeks state guarantees for the welfare of educators, academic staff, and health workers. Additionally, they demand an end to all forms of repression against the press and a guarantee of press freedom as a pillar of democracy. Rizqi estimates that hundreds of Unair students will participate, with potential for students from other campuses to join.

Rizqi explained that the choice of the Grahadi Building as the protest site is intended to educate the public about the current social, political, and economic conditions in Indonesia. "We are not aiming for officials to come down and sign anything at Grahadi," he said. "We are aiming for the people of Surabaya to know and become more aware that the country is not doing well today, and this will impact ordinary people."

“

We are not aiming for that, but we are aiming for the people of Surabaya to know and become more aware that the country today is not doing well, and it will impact ordinary people.