The field coordinator for the protest against the increase in fuel prices, Syaiful Bahri, regretted the police action to forcefully disperse students who protested against the increase in fuel subsidies. Because it is a repressive measure.

“This act is immoral and does not reflect humanist values. We were going to hold the microphone before we gave our speech. Suddenly, it was seized and our friends were immediately taken into custody. There is no mediation," said Syaiful Bahri when met by reporters at the Sampang Police Headquarters, Thursday (8/9/2022).

The demonstration against the increase in subsidized fuel prices by student activists was forcibly dispersed by the police for violating the rules regarding the expression of opinions in public according to Law Number 9 of 1998 Article 9 paragraph 2 letter a.

A demonstration on behalf of the Alliance of Student Executive Boards (BEM) throughout Pamekasan Regency was held at the Pertamina Camplong Depot, Sampang Regency, on Thursday afternoon.

The police arrested 11 students and one person as the action coordinator was named as a suspect, namely Syaiful Bahri (SB) and others as witnesses.

According to him, the purpose of the demonstration at the Pertamina Camplong Depot was only to have a discussion with the Pertamina Director. At the same time, he asked Pertamina Camplong about the results of the Pamekasan DPRD's inspection, which was previously promised to students.

"We are not making demands. So we want to ask Pertamina Camplong whether there has been an inspection and what evidence. Then we want to ask whether the BBM application is right on target or not because there has been no socialization," explained Syaiful Bahri, who is now a suspect.

He explained that prior to the demonstration a week ago, a notification letter was sent to Pertamina and it was also penetrated to the Sampang Police.

"Regarding the notification letter, it was a week ago that even yesterday a member of the police came to us," he said.

He asked the Sampang Police to evaluate professionalism which does not reflect humanist values.