September 9, 2025 | 08:11 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Executive Board of the University of Indonesia's Student Union (BEM UI) has criticized a recent statement by the new Finance Minister, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa. Speaking during a protest in front of the parliament on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, BEM UI Chair Atan Zayyid Sulthan Rahman stated that the minister's comments belittled students' aspirations.
“The new Finance Minister made the statement just a day after taking office, saying that the 17+8 people's demands represent only a small portion of people. He even discredited us by saying that if people have eaten well, they won’t protest,” Atan said at the location.
Atan affirmed that students will not cease their protests, regardless of whether their concerns are underestimated. He believes that a condescending attitude from public officials will only provoke further resistance.
“Whether we eat well or not, if the government is still corrupt and our demands are not met, we will continue to protest,” he stated.
Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa responded to the 17+8 demands shortly after being inaugurated as the replacement for Sri Mulyani Indrawati on Monday, September 8, 2025. He admitted that he had not yet studied the demands but believed they might represent only a small portion of the population.
“But basically, that's the thing. It is the voice of a small portion of our people. Why? Maybe some feel disturbed that their lives are lacking,” Purbaya said at the Finance Ministry office in Jakarta.
On Tuesday, Purbaya retracted his statement and apologized. “What I meant was, when the economy is somewhat strained, it's most people who feel it's difficult, it's not just a small portion. Maybe the majority have taken to the streets. So, that's the key,” he said at the Presidential Palace Complex in Central Jakarta.
Purbaya apologized for misspeaking in response to the demands and said the mistake was a lesson for him. “If I'm wrong, I'll correct myself. But my intention is clear. I didn't mean to say, 'oh, let the people be' or 'let the poor be.' No,” he added.
Purbaya also stated that the government is committed to accelerating economic recovery. He said this recovery will open up as many job opportunities as possible. “So that the people can prosper together. That's actually the main goal,” he concluded.
Hendrik Yaputra contributed to this report
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