During the closed-door dialogue, student representatives presented their concerns and suggestions, especially issues that concern the younger generation and demands raised during the recent protests in several cities in Indonesia.
According to Muhammad Raihan, a representative of the Alliance of Student Organisations in Nahdlatul Ulama Universities (PTNU), his side highlighted the condition of contract teachers paid only by honorariums.
"We are active in the education sector, and we raised the contract teachers' condition during the talk," Raihan stated.
He also demanded that the government release fellow university students arrested during demonstrations outside the Parliament Complex last week.
"The points that we are speaking about are based on studies by our organisation," Raihan added.
Meanwhile, Susana Florika Marianti Kandaimu, Head of the Indonesian Catholic Students Association's (PMKRI's) Executive Board Praesidium, stated that in the talks, she highlighted the role of Indonesian youth in realising the "Golden Indonesia" vision.
According to Kandaimu, the demographic dividend that Indonesia enjoys must be managed properly to ensure the younger generation can play their role as leaders in the future.
"As the younger generation, we will present our aspirations at the right time and in the right place," she said.
At least representatives of 15 youth organisations were seen arriving in batches on the Presidential Palace grounds at 4:35 p.m. Jakarta time. They were admitted to the palace only at 6:30 p.m.
The list of invitees received by the representatives revealed that the Palace actually invited 37 youth organisations that comprise student unions at public and private universities and academies, religion-based organisations, and the youth wing of mass organisations.
However, it was not known whether the students were welcomed by President Prabowo Subianto personally because, as they were admitted to the Palace, the president and State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi attended the Mawlid commemoration at the nearby Istiqlal Mosque.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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