"Yes, to invite university students to dialog in a good approach and to not head to the streets but instead return to their respective campuses," Nasir informed the press in the front yard of the State Palace, here on Thursday.
The minister opined that students can echo their criticism without having to resort to anarchic acts and disturbing public order.
Related news: Indonesian students hold rallies to protest law changes
The minister also pointed out that the government was open to constructive criticism and proposals.
Nasir expressed concern over irresponsible parties manipulating the university students' rallies through provocation.
"University students can express their criticism. I allow them. However, it should be conducted in a positive manner, as they are academicians, good intellectuals," he added.
Related news: Students block street outside South Sumatra parliament building University students had staged various demonstrations across regions in Indonesia over the past several days to oppose the revisions of several laws, including those on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and Criminal Code (KUHP) believed to be regressive to democracy and the fight against corruption.
The rallies in Jakarta, Makassar, Medan, and several other regions on Tuesday (Sept 24) turned chaotic, as police personnel resorted to water cannon and fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrating students. Some of them chased the students and battered them with clubs, thereby causing injuries to several of them.
The Jakarta Police deployed some 18 thousand police officers to guard the Parliament building in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Related news: Chief of Jakarta Police observes demonstration site
Chief of the Jakarta Police Inspector General Eddy Pramono stated that 39 police officers and 265 students were injured in the clashes, and 11 of the students required hospital treatment on September 24, 2019.
On Sept 25, senior high school and vocational school students had demonstrated to express their solidarity with the university students in Jakarta and several other cities.
On Sept 26, university students from various universities in several regions, such as Surabaya, Aceh, Garut and Magelang, yet again held rallies.
EDITED BY INE
Related news: Police examine alleged intruder involvement in student demonstration
Translator: Bayu Prasetyo, Fardah
Editor: Azizah Fitriyanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
