DPR RI Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad contacted Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia on Friday (June 19, 2026) to address student protests regarding fuel scarcity and rising non-subsidized fuel prices. The communication took place during an audience at the parliament complex in Senayan, Jakarta, where student representatives from institutions including HMI MPO, Trisakti, Mercubuana, and Esa Unggul voiced their concerns regarding the availability of subsidized fuel.
How did the government respond to student demands?
Following the meeting, Deputy Speaker Saan Mustopa confirmed that the leadership of the DPR had facilitated direct communication between the protesters and Minister Bahlil Lahadalia. According to Mustopa, the students were able to hear the conversation directly as it occurred. During the call, Minister Bahlil reportedly promised to address the reports of subsidized fuel shortages in various regions within a short timeframe.
What is the role of the DPR in this process?
Sufmi Dasco Ahmad stated that the DPR is fulfilling its oversight function by receiving and channeling these grievances to the executive branch. The institution has committed to maintaining an open line of communication with student groups to monitor the situation. While time constraints limited the initial dialogue, officials noted that future interactions are planned to ensure that the government follows through on the promises made during the protest.
What are the likely next steps?
The government is expected to investigate the specific areas identified by students as facing fuel shortages. As the DPR continues its oversight duties, further meetings between parliamentary leaders and student representatives could occur to verify whether the Ministry’s promise of short-term supply normalization is met. Should the shortages persist, it is likely that additional pressure will be placed on the Ministry of ESDM to provide a more comprehensive explanation regarding the distribution of subsidized fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who represented the students during the audience?
The audience included representatives from several campuses and organizations, including HMI MPO, Trisakti, Mercubuana, and Esa Unggul.
What were the primary concerns raised by the students?
Students raised two main issues: the scarcity of subsidized fuel in several regions and the recent price increases for non-subsidized fuel, specifically Pertamax.
What did the Minister of ESDM promise?
Minister Bahlil Lahadalia promised to immediately follow up on the student reports regarding fuel shortages and committed to meeting the demand for subsidized fuel in a short period.
How will the public determine if the government’s promise to resolve fuel shortages is being fulfilled?
