A student alliance calling itself BEM Bersatu suspects that a former high-ranking military official, namely Retired General SS, is behind the movement to reject the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.
United Student Executive Board (BEM) spokesperson Rahmat Djimbula said in a press conference that one indication was the car ownership of former Gadjah Mada University BEM Chairman Tiyo Ardianto, who recently criticized the program.
"We see strong indications of the involvement of practical political actors in this movement. One of the leaders of the demonstration, Tiyo Ardianto, is suspected of having close ties to certain political networks. The Fortuner used is allegedly registered in the name of SN, the younger brother of retired Lieutenant General SS, who is the son-in-law of retired General AP, a figure on Ganjar Pranowo's winning team in the 2024 presidential election. This suspicion is reinforced by the presence of PDI-P politician AW among the protesters," Rahmat said.
According to him, the suspicion of a connection between the two was strengthened by Tiyo's presence in the same forum as the retired officer.
"This connection was further strengthened by Tiyo Ardianto's presence at the national dialogue in Bandung on June 18, 2026, alongside several figures, including Said Didu, Roy Suryo, Refly Harun, and Dr. Tifa. Retired Lt. Gen. SS was also present at the same forum, demonstrating the existence of a network worthy of scrutiny," Rahmat said.
In a press conference, BEM Bersatu also stated that it rejects student movements that are driven by practical political interests.
"We, BEM Bersatu, reject all forms of controlling the student movement by practical political interests. The student movement must remain the voice of the people, not a tool for the elite in the struggle for power," said Rahmat.
This statement was made in response to a number of recent student actions.
"We believe that a number of recent student demonstrations have begun to lose direction, marked by a lack of research, weak arguments, and unclear substance in their demands. This situation raises questions about whether the movement still sides with the people or has been infiltrated by a specific agenda," he said.
The United Student Executive Board also questioned the priority of the issues raised. According to the alliance, amidst the community's basic needs, attention was being drawn to issues that were not of primary urgency.
"Meanwhile, the free nutritious meal program, which has a direct impact on community nutrition and well-being, has become the target of rejection, even though governance improvements are still needed," Rahmat said.
Furthermore, the United Student Executive Board stated its rejection of the crisis narrative, which, they believe, is not based on complete data. It is considered to have the potential to divert public focus from important agendas, such as eradicating corruption.
"We regret the alleged misuse of student protests by external parties, as clarified by several student executive boards (BEMs), including Jakarta State University and Unindra (Indraprasta PGRI University)," he said.
Rahmat further stated that BEM Bersatu urged the sterilization of the student movement from funding, facilities, and all forms of practical political intervention.
BEM Bersatu also supports the continuation of the MBG program with a note of improving governance, supporting the investigation of alleged corruption cases without "discrimination," and inviting Indonesian students to monitor the legal process for the investigation critically and objectively.
"BEM Bersatu will continue to safeguard the integrity of the student movement, ensuring it remains independent, on the side of the people, and free from intervention by political elites," he said.
