According to him, the news was conveyed by Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, but he could not yet confirm the official who would meet the students.
"We just talked via WhatsApp with the government. You will be received by the government on Thursday," Ahmad noted during an audience with the Indonesian Student Executive Board (BEM) at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Wednesday.
According to him, the demands from various student groups also need to be conveyed directly to the government, as the government and the DPR need to coordinate to address several issues.
He mentioned that the student demands that require cooperation between the DPR and the government include the formation of an investigative team regarding alleged treason and the demand to expedite the Bill on Asset Confiscation.
"And also the demand for tax reductions that need to be implemented by the government and the DPR," he added.
Meanwhile, DPR RI Deputy Speaker Saan Mustopa stated that the demands and concerns of various student groups could be conveyed to the government as the executive branch.
On the other hand, the House would follow up on the demands and criticisms from these student groups. Various demands would be summarized by the DPR, followed up as quickly as possible, and announced to the public.
"Later, we can discuss what the demands and concerns from all of you, regarding various issues, such as taxation, other issues, and state-owned enterprises, will be conveyed," Mustopa remarked.
The protests across Indonesia took place last week, triggered by public outrage over a proposed monthly housing allowance of Rp50 million (about US$3,000) for members of parliament, which many considered excessive amid rising living costs and a weak economy.
The situation was exacerbated by several legislators' comments that were perceived as insensitive and out of touch, such as comparing themselves to manual laborers, calling protesters "dumb," and justifying the allowance by citing their own long commutes.
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Translator: Bagus Ahmad, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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