“At the national level, there is already a Commission for the Protection of Women and Children, but not in West Java. This is our responsibility in Commission V to ensure that the KPAI is established in every region to strengthen the protection of women and children,” he concluded.
For now, Shela and her colleagues continue to voice their aspirations. The sexist comments she received did not break her spirit; instead, they have become fuel for her to keep fighting for justice and gender equality in public spaces.
‘Indonesia Gelap’ Protest in Purwakarta
A number of Student Executive Board (BEM) members from various campuses in Purwakarta, united under the “Aliansi BEM Purwakarta”, held a demonstration at several locations in Purwakarta Regency, including the DPRD Purwakarta office, on the afternoon of Friday, February 21, 2025.
This protest was part of the “Indonesia Gelap” movement, which voiced the people’s demands and rejected policies deemed anti-people.
Shela Amelia, the coordinator of the Aliansi BEM Purwakarta, stated that the protest was driven by concerns over Indonesia’s worsening condition.
She argued that the government had failed to fulfill the constitutional mandate and the ideals of independence, implementing policies that instead oppressed the lower-class society.
“Indonesia is currently in darkness. The government, which should be the people’s protector, has instead strayed from the constitutional mandate and the ideals of independence,” Shela said.
According to her, the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has issued policies that violate people’s rights, ranging from budget cuts in education to the exploitation of human and natural resources, which only benefit a select few.
“This darkness engulfs all aspects of life—education, health, welfare, and even democratic spaces are becoming increasingly restricted,” she asserted.
During the protest, the Purwakarta BEM Alliance put forward eight main demands:
- Revoke Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2025 regarding budget efficiency, which does not favor the people!
- Restore the initial education budget allocation, increase education funding, especially operational funds for state-owned universities (PTN-BH), private universities (PTS), and scholarships!
- Expand access to higher education for children of laborers and farmers who have long been hindered by high education costs!
- Realize the lecturer performance allowance (tukin) budget!
- Conduct a total evaluation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program!
- Implement efficiency measures and restructure the Red and White Cabinet!
- Abolish the multi-functionality of ABRI! Military involvement in civilian sectors has the potential to create repression and hinder democratic life.
- Urge the President to issue a government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) on asset seizure!
Shela emphasized that the current policies are a form of betrayal against the people.
Her group believes that education budget cuts, neglect of educators’ welfare, and the privatization of education are clear evidence that the state has failed in its responsibility to achieve social justice for all Indonesians.
Shela stressed that this protest was not just a demonstration but also a moral movement to restore social justice for all Indonesians.
“We are fighting for a fairer and more prosperous Purwakarta and Indonesia, where the rights, voices, and well-being of the people are the top priority,” she asserted.
After delivering speeches at several locations and in front of the DPRD Purwakarta office, the “Indonesia Gelap” protesters were finally allowed into the legislative building.
At around 6:00 PM WIB, student representatives from various BEMs in Purwakarta were received by the Deputy Speaker of DPRD Purwakarta, Entis Sutisna, along with Dias Rukmana, in the parliament’s meeting room.
During the meeting, both DPRD Purwakarta leaders signed several of the students’ demands, which would then be forwarded to the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI).
“We will forward our student friends’ demands to the higher institution, in this case, DPR RI,” said Entis Sutisna. (hen/rnu)
