In a press conference here on Wednesday, Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama's Central Board (PBNU) Alissa Qothrunnada Wahid commended how the "17+8 of People's Demands" were formulated from aspirations of many groups of people, particularly the youth.
Wahid noted that the organic movement across social media platforms has actually started for a while now, as people have given the government input and suggestions for more people-oriented policies and initiatives.
"If the government and state apparatus do not learn from these two events, which are massive in social media, then it's so terrible," she said.
She also highlighted similarities between "17+8 of People's Demands" and demands voiced by figures from National Conscience Movement (Gerakan Nurani Bangsa/GNB).
Some of which are no criminalization of protesters and no use of repressive acts towards protesters, as well as cutting public officials' excessive incentives that burden state budget.
In the same occasion, Archbishop of Jakarta, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, said that in prior terms, many suggestions, ideas, and critiques have been voiced by those with no special interests, such as scholars and academics.
He expected that those inputs goes unfiltered so the officials do not just hear about nice things.
"Please listen to that, truly consider it, ruminate together by inviting figures who do not have any intention other than the betterment of this nation," the archbishop said.
On August 25, people began protesting lawmakers' excessive incentives. The protest claimed the life of Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old online motor taxi driver who died after being run over by a tactical vehicle, and it soon sparked unrest across Indonesia.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna Violleta, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Arie Novarina
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