President Prabowo Meets Media Leaders to Discuss 17+8 Demands

On September 6, 2025, President Prabowo Subianto held a meeting with media leaders at his residence, Garuda Yaksa, Hambalang. The meeting discussed the government’s response to the August 28–30, 2025 demonstrations, including public demands known as the 17+8 demands.

In the dialogue, President Prabowo emphasized the government’s commitment to creating jobs for the people.

“We understand the difficulties of finding jobs in certain places… under my leadership, the government has already created many jobs, and the potential ahead is very promising. We have also allocated a significant safety net for those most in need.”

Prabowo also stressed that demonstrators should not be criminalized as long as their actions remain within the law.

“Demonstrators should not be criminalized if they are genuine. I trust the authorities to distinguish between those manipulated and those misled… it is concerning if our youth are incited into dangerous actions.”

Key Points of the Meeting

1. Response to 17+8 People’s Demands

   • Some demands were considered “reasonable” and normative.
   • The government is open to discussion and negotiation.

2. Concrete Steps by Parliament

   • Stopping housing allowances.
   • Moratorium on overseas working visits.
   • Cutting allowances and other perks.
   • Supporting parties that suspended problematic members.

3. Formation of Independent Investigation Team

   • The idea of an independent investigation into the Affan Kurniawan case was considered fair.

4. Prioritizing Dialogue and Openness

   • The government is open to dialogue with Parliament and the people.

The meeting signaled positively that the government and Parliament are working to ease tensions after the late August demonstrations. With dialogue and openness, the people’s demands are expected to be resolved wisely for the common good.

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[Source: Documentation of President–Media Meeting, 2025]