We hope the relevant authorities would take note and be attentive (to public demands). I believe recent demonstrations were mostly concerned about the fuel price issueJakarta (ANTARA) - The government will take note of the demands and grievances expressed by residents during demonstrations and protests, according to chief of the Presidential Secretariat Heru Budi Hartono.
"There will be officers or staff who handle (the demands); they could be officials of the Presidential Staff Office under Mr. Moeldoko or other officers; government representatives will certainly be present (to hear their grievances)," Hartono informed at the Presidential Palace complex here on Friday.
He expressed the hope that the relevant authorities will also take note and be attentive to demands expressed by the public.
Related news: Presidential Secretariat vows to follow up on KSPSI's demands
"We hope the relevant authorities would take note and be attentive (to public demands). I believe recent demonstrations were mostly concerned about the fuel price issue," the secretariat chief noted.
Public demonstrations and protests are appropriate as they are a part of the residents' democratic rights, he said, adding that he is convinced that all public demonstrations adhere to regulations and are approved by officials.
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has given no particular instructions to the presidential secretariat on responding to protests, he added.
Related news: Four thousand officers deployed for handling fuel price hike protests
"I have received no (particular instruction), and I believe security officers and relevant officers can continue with their standard practices (during public protests)," Hartono said.
Regarding President Widodo’s scheduled engagement at Bogor Palace, Central Java, the presidential secretariat chief clarified that the president's activities at the palace are part of his routine activities and are not an attempt to avoid protesters in Central Jakarta.
"No, there is no such thing. Since last week, even ten days earlier, the President already has scheduled engagements in Bogor. It is on the presidential itinerary that from Monday to Thursday (Widodo will be) in Jakarta, while Friday and during the weekend he will be busy in Bogor," he informed.
Related news: Jakarta gov't offers subsidized food packages for low-income people
Related news: Gov't disburses Rp214 bln in fuel cash assistance in West Papua
Translator: Gilang Galiartha, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
