Malang DPRD Head Meets Protesters, Rejects Government Meal Program

In June 2026, amidst widespread student demonstrations across Indonesia, Amithya Ratnanggani Sirraduhita, the head of the Malang City Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), emerged as a notable figure. Instead of remaining distant, she personally engaged with protesting students, demonstrating a responsive approach to public dissent.

During a protest organized by the Alliance of Restless Brawijaya Students (Amarah Brawijaya) under the banner 'Indonesia Emergency,' hundreds of students marched to the DPRD and City Hall. Sirraduhita, accompanied by DPRD members from various factions, descended from her office to meet the demonstrators. She listened to their criticisms directed at the central government, which included concerns about the 'Free Nutritious Meal Program' (MBG), the 'Red and White Cooperative,' and the increasing role of security forces in civilian spaces.

“

We apologize for the students' unrest regarding some imperfect government programs. We are with the students; we state that we reject MBG.

Sirraduhita openly voiced her critical stance on the implementation of the MBG program. She acknowledged the students' anxieties, stating that several government policies required further refinement. "We apologize for the students' unrest regarding some imperfect government programs. We are with the students; we state that we reject MBG," she declared to the protesters.

“

She listened to various criticisms directed at the central government, from the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) to concerns about the strengthening role of security forces in civil spaces.

Known as Mia, the politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) engaged in open dialogue with the students. While many public officials in other regions were criticized for ignoring public aspirations, Mia stood before the protesters, actively listening to their critiques. This moment highlighted her leadership style: responsive, open to criticism, and focused on bridging the gap between public opinion and governmental processes.

Mia's political journey began in 2012 as an expert staff member for a member of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Senayan. This experience provided her with a foundation in understanding public policy issues and national political dynamics. An alumna of the English Literature program at the State University of Malang (UM), she views politics not merely as a pursuit of power but as a means to enact decisions that directly impact people's lives.

“

Mia's leadership style: responsive, open to criticism, and seeking to bridge the voice of the community with existing government mechanisms.