DPR Meets Student Protesters to Discuss Fuel Prices and Free Nutritious Meal Program
Dasco Contacts Bahlil Over BBM Policy During Student Protest, Sparking Regional Policy Debate
On June 19, 2026, Dasco, a senior Indonesian politician, contacted Bahlil, a government official, regarding fuel price policies (BBM) during a student protest in Jakarta, as reported by detikNews and ANTARA News Jambi. The call coincided with student demands for lower fuel costs and improved public transport subsidies (MBG), highlighting tensions between policy reforms and grassroots economic pressures.
What Triggered the Protest and Why It Matters
Students from Trisakti University in Jakarta led the protest, demanding immediate relief from rising fuel prices, which have increased by 12% since January 2026, according to the Ministry of Energy. The demonstrations, which began on June 17, have since spread to Jambi and other regions, with participants citing “unbearable transportation costs” as a primary grievance. “Our families can’t afford to commute to work,” said a student leader, quoted in news.okezone.com. The protests have also drawn attention to the broader economic strain on low-income households, with the World Bank estimating that fuel subsidies could save 1.2 million Indonesians from poverty if reinstated.
Dasco, a senior member of the People’s Representative Council (DPR), met with protesters on June 19, according to CNBC Indonesia. His call to Bahlil, the head of the State-Owned Enterprises Ministry, was confirmed by a DPR spokesperson, who stated, “The discussion focused on balancing fiscal responsibility with social welfare.” This interaction underscores the political tightrope walked by officials amid growing public dissatisfaction.
How BBM Policy Impacts Regional Economies
The dispute over BBM (Bahan Bakar Minyak, or liquid fuel) has direct implications for Indonesia’s regional economies. In Jambi, where fuel prices have risen 15% since 2025, local businesses report a 20% decline in customer footfall, according to a June 2026 survey by the Jambi Chamber of Commerce. “Small traders are struggling to keep up with delivery costs,” said Jambi Mayor Syafrudin, quoted in ANTARA News Jambi. The situation is exacerbated by the government’s 2026 budget, which allocates only 5% of the energy sector’s budget to subsidies, down from 10% in 2024.
Legal experts warn that the current policy may violate the 2023 Constitutional Court ruling, which mandated “equitable access to essential services.” Dr. Rina Suryani, a constitutional law professor at Universitas Indonesia, stated, “The government’s refusal to reinstate subsidies risks deepening inequality. The court’s decision explicitly prioritizes social equity over fiscal austerity.” This legal tension could lead to renewed litigation, with [Legal Firm] in Jakarta already preparing to represent affected communities.
What’s Next for BBM Policy and Student Protests?
The DPR has announced plans to evaluate the management of MBG (Mobile Bus Garansi, or mobile bus guarantee) programs, which aim to subsidize public transport. A June 18 report by kontan.co.id noted that the evaluation could save up to Rp70 trillion annually through efficiency measures. However, student groups argue that such savings should not come at the expense of direct aid. “We’re not asking for handouts—we’re asking for a fair system,” said a protest organizer, as reported by detikNews.
Bahlil’s office has not commented publicly on Dasco’s call, but a DPR committee chair, Dr. Teguh Wibowo, stated, “We’re committed to finding a solution that addresses both fiscal discipline and public welfare.” The committee’s findings, expected by July 2026, could determine whether subsidies are reinstated or replaced with alternative programs.