DPR Commission X Urged to Evaluate Minister of Higher Education After Civil Servant Protest

Tempo.co, Jakarta - The Vice Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, will investigate the reasons behind the protest by civil servants (ASN) against the Minister of Higher , Science, and Technology, Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro, scheduled for Monday, January 20, 2025. He stated that he had received information about the demonstration during a meeting with the Nasdem Party faction in the DPR.

"I first learned about the protest while I was on my way to the Nasdem Party faction. We will study and review the situation," said Dasco Ahmad when he was met at the Senayan Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta on Monday, January 20, 2025.

Dasco Ahmad, the daily chair of the Gerindra Party Central Leadership Council (DPP), has urged Commission X of the DPR to convene a meeting with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek). According to Dasco, this meeting is necessary to evaluate the recent protests.

"Of course, we will later ask the relevant technical commission related to the ministry to carry out monitoring and evaluations if deemed necessary," he said.

Hundreds of people dressed in all black gathered in the courtyard of the Kemendikbudristek building for a protest. The demonstration was organized by members of the Paguyuban Pegawai Ditjen Dikti and was part of a peaceful protest called "Senin Hitam" (Black Monday).

A protest was organized in response to the dismissal of Neni Herlina, an employee of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek), by Minister Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro. The dismissal is believed to have occurred without following proper procedures or providing clear reasons. Before her dismissal, Neni held the position of Junior Expert Advisor and Acting Household Manager.

According to Tempo's observations on the scene, employees were shouting, "Fight! Fight!" Two banners were displayed with the messages: "We are Civil Servants, Paid by the State, Working for the State, Not Slaves of the Family," and "State Institutions Are Not Satryo and His Wife's Private Company." Across from these banners, there were flower arrangements expressing disappointment over Satryo's decision to dismiss Neni.

Neni, who was also present at the protest, reported that her dismissal took place on the afternoon of Friday, January 17, 2025, while she was in her office. The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro, entered her office and immediately ordered her to leave.

"‘Get out, go to Dikdasmen! Take all your belongings!" Neni said, quoting the words spoken by Satryo.

The Secretary-General of Kemendiktisaintek, Togar M. Simatupang, stated that this is a typical dynamic interaction occurring during an organizational expansion. He also emphasized that they are open to engaging in various persuasive efforts, such as conducting dialogues.

"There is still room for a better dialogue, and this remains with an open hand, an open mind, and the pursuit of the best resolution," he said, as quoted by Antara.

Togar clarified that the of employees was not done abruptly. "It's not as extreme as that. During the restructuring process, we need to ensure that certain service levels and quality are maintained by the department or individual. There are differences to consider, as well as the implementation of rewards and development opportunities," Togar explained.

Hanin Marwah contributed to the creation of this article.

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