August 30, 2025 | 08:43 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian students in Sydney, Australia, confronted members of Commission XI of the House of Representatives (DPR) during their working visit and tour, amid widespread demonstrations protesting lawmakers’ allowances.
Mahesti Hasanah, a political economics doctoral candidate at the University of Sydney, said the students took the initiative to approach the DPR members.
“They avoided the students and left immediately,” she told Tempo on Saturday.
The DPR members had reportedly planned to visit Scenic World & Echo Point, a popular amusement and tourist spot in the Blue Mountains featuring a cable car and scenic views.
According to Mahesti, the visit was ultimately canceled after their travel plans became public. She added that the lawmakers had also booked a dinner at one of Sydney’s high-end restaurants.
Indonesian students reportedly saw the DPR members using a limousine and staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.
Mahesti also noted that some of the members were rumored to participate in the Sydney Marathon on Sunday, August 31, 2025, including Commission XI Chairman Muhamad Misbakhun.
She said Indonesian students in Australia voiced their rejection and condemnation of the working visit, criticizing the lawmakers for showing little empathy toward the current conditions faced by the Indonesian public.
A lecturer from the Department of Politics and Government at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta also called for a careful evaluation of the substance of the DPR members’ Sydney visit. The lecturer questioned whether the choice of Sydney genuinely served public interests or personal agendas, such as participating in the marathon.
Working visits abroad are unethical, not a priority, and show no empathy towards the current condition of the society,” Mahesti said.
Chairperson of Commission XI, Misbakhun, clarified that the Sydney visit had been scheduled prior to the demonstrations. He also denied rumors that he would participate in the marathon on Sunday.
Previously, Misbakhun’s name appeared on the official event website as a registered participant. “I assure you I won't participate,” he said in a WhatsApp message.
Regarding his registration, Misbakhun explained that the World Major Marathon category requires registration a year in advance. As a marathon enthusiast, he often registers but does not always run.
“I assure you that if I run on August 31, it will be in the GBK area. Hopefully, GBK can still be used for sports,” he said.
Editor’s Choice: Prabowo Urged to Cancel China Trip Amid Nationwide Protests
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
DPR Legislator Ahmad Sahroni's Residence Stormed: Car Smashed, Belongings Looted
1 jam lalu
Hordes of angry people stormed the house of DPR member Ahmad Sahroni. Various items inside the house were looted.
Mob Vandalizes Legislator Ahmad Sahroni's House in North Jakarta
1 jam lalu
The house of Ahmad Sahroni in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, was raided by a crowd this Saturday afternoon. They damaged the car and looted the house.
House Speaker Puan Maharani Silent on Why Parliament Refused to Meet Protesters
4 jam lalu
Puan Maharani did not provide an answer as to why the Parliament did not receive representatives of the demonstrators, which eventually led to a riot.
Puan Maharani Vows DPR Improvement Following Public Unrest
4 jam lalu
"We will evaluate ourselves, make improvements, and listen more closely to the people's aspirations," DPR Chairwoman said.
Protesters Flock Back to Jakarta's DPR Main Gate This Afternoon
5 jam lalu
A group of protesters gathered again in front of the main gate of the Indonesian House of Representatives on Saturday afternoon, August 30, 2025.
Indonesian Ambassador Presents Letters of Credence to Finnish President
9 jam lalu
Indonesian Ambassador Ibnu Wahyutomo presented the Letters of Credence to Finnish President Alexander Stubb on August 28, 2025.
Jakarta Protesters at DPR Building Stay Until Saturday Morning
12 jam lalu
The sound of firecrackers and tear gas can still be heard in front of the DPR building until Saturday morning, August 30, 2025.
DPR Chair Puan Maharani Apologizes After Ojol Driver's Death
1 hari lalu
House of Representatives Chair Puan Maharani apologized following the death of ojol driver Affan Kurniawan during a Jakarta protest on August 28, 2025
Thousands of Ojol Drivers Escort Funeral of Peer Killed by Police in Jakarta Unrest
1 hari lalu
This morning, thousands of ojol drivers turned out for the funeral of Affan Kurniawan, their peer who was run over by a police vehicle during protest.
Today's Top 3 News: Police Vehicle Reportedly Runs Over and Kills Ojol Driver in Jakarta Protest
1 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
