Research, Technology, Higher Ed. Minister Calls for Dialogue with Uni Students

Minister of Research, Technology, and Higher Education Mohamad Nasir responds to reporters’ questions after a meeting with President Jokowi at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Thursday (26/9). (Jay/PR)

In response to protests held by university students during the past few days, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo called on Minister of Research, Technology, and Higher Education Mohamad Nasir to invite the students to a dialogue meeting to discuss their concerns.

“Yes, I will invite them for a dialogue meeting,” Nasir told reporters after a meeting with President Jokowi at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Thursday (26/9). For that reason, the Minister will visit universities to have a discussion with the students in the coming days.

The Minister confirmed that he will go to Semarang to meet with the students tomorrow at 9 a.m. Western Indonesian Time. Later in the afternoon, he will carry on the visit to Madiun. The Minister is also slated to visit an Islamic Boarding School on Saturday.

During the visit, the Minister will explain the Government’s efforts in relation to the Bill of the Criminal Code Law (RKUHP) and the revision to Law Number 30 of 2002 on the Corruption Eradication Commission with the students.

“We will give them explanation about what the Government has done. If they do not agree with it, they can deliver their concerns and inputs which will be submitted to the President,” he said.

The Minister also called on rectors to encourage their students to have a dialogue meeting rather than take part in a rally.

“We still have enough time to hold dialogues. Do not hold protest that may trigger riot. If riot sparks, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) will be deployed to maintain the security,” Nasir stated.

The Minister went on to say that students and academicians should be different than those who provoke riot during a protest considering their education. The Ministry shall impose sanction to rectors if they encourage their students to take part in a rally.

Nasir asserted that he will use persuasive approaches to the students and remind them to return to campus and study hard so they can be highly qualified graduates. (AIT/JAY/ES)

Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Mia Medyana Bonaedy