"Many of the protesters' demands have been heard by the president, and he is doing what he can to respond," he said after meeting with President Prabowo at the Presidential Palace here on Thursday.
However, he cautioned that not all demands can be met immediately. "It’s not possible to meet them all at once. Let’s leave it to the President to decide what can be done," Wiranto said.
Wiranto added he was scheduled to brief the President on steps the government should take in response to the ongoing protests.
He assured that President Prabowo is taking the situation seriously and aims to respond proportionally.
He also urged all parties to remain calm. “If everyone exercises restraint, everything will be fine,” he said.
Mass protests by students and civil society groups have surged since late August, calling for “17+8 People’s Demands.” These include short-term demands due by September 5, and longer-term reforms expected by August 31, 2026.
Immediate demands include forming an independent probe into police violence, ending military involvement in civil security, releasing detained protesters, and prosecuting human rights violators.
Protesters also oppose lawmakers’ new salary perks and urge investigations into their wealth and conduct.
On labor, demonstrators are calling for fair wages, a halt to mass layoffs, and dialogue with unions. They also demand the military and police respect civil space.
Longer-term goals focus on structural reform, including cleaning up parliament, political party reform, tax justice, passage of an asset seizure law, and strengthening anti-corruption and human rights institutions.
Separately, National Intelligence Agency (BIN) Chief Muhammad Herindra said the domestic situation has stabilized after recent riots in cities including Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya.
He confirmed ongoing investigations into those behind the violence and arson attacks on government buildings.
“I will report important findings to the President,” Herindra told reporters.
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Translator: Andi F, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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