Indonesian Students Push DPR for Economic and Policy Reforms

On June 19, university students gathered in front of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta, demanding tighter state budget controls, lower fuel and basic‑goods prices, and an audit of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. DPR leaders Sufmi Dasco Ahmad and Saan Mustopa met the demonstrators, pledging to withdraw the criminal status of 16 Trisakti University students within a week, release two Mercu Buana students detained for carrying gasoline, and seek savings of about Rp 70 trillion through improved budget management.

The protest continued into June 22, when a new demonstration faced tension as participants tried to approach security barriers. Police and organizers temporarily clashed, but the situation was calmed through dialogue. Demonstrators reiterated calls for transparent governance, better public‑service delivery, and greater attention to socioeconomic concerns, while a separate rally at the National Monument supported the MBG program.