Indonesian students protest weak rupiah, present demands to government

Students in Semarang, Central Java, took to the streets Friday to protest the Indonesian rupiah's sharp decline against the US dollar, which has now surpassed Rp18,000. The demonstration, organized by the Alliance of Indonesian Student Executive Bodies (BEM SI) Central Java, took place in front of the Bank Indonesia office.

In response to the protests, Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, and Immigration Yusril Ihza Mahendra assured that the government remains open to constructive criticism. He stated that the government guarantees freedom of expression as long as it is delivered responsibly and based on research. Mahendra pledged to convey the students' demands to President Prabowo Subianto.

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I also ensure that freedom of opinion is guaranteed, as long as it is delivered responsibly and based on research.

The students presented five key demands to the government. These include an immediate halt to wasteful spending from the state budget (APBN), a reduction in the prices of essential goods and fuel (BBM), and the cessation of the "Makan Bergizi Gratis" (MBG) program and the "Koperasi Desa Merah Putih." Additionally, they called for an end to the militarization of civilian spheres and urged the President to acknowledge government mistakes.

During a meeting with BEM SI representatives, Mahendra specifically sought clarification on the demand to halt the MBG program. The students clarified that their concern was not a complete termination but rather a call for improved governance and management of the program, acknowledging its benefits in improving public nutrition and stimulating local economies. Mahendra indicated that the government is receptive to suggestions for enhancing the program's management.

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I am convinced that if what is desired is the improvement of the MBG program's governance, it will certainly be done by the government.