Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Hundreds of employees from Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendikti Saintek) staged a demonstration on Monday, January 20, 2025, in protest against what they describe as unfair treatment by Minister Prof. Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro.
The protest, dubbed “Black Monday,” took place outside the ministry’s office on Jalan Pintu Senayan, South Jakarta. Around 235 employees, mostly dressed in black shirts, carried large banners, including one that read: “We are civil servants paid by the state, working for the state, not as servants of a family.” Protesters also sent flower arrangements as symbolic resistance against the alleged arbitrary actions of the minister.
A Sudden Dismissal
According to Tirto.id, the protest stemmed from the sudden dismissal of Neni Herlina, an employee holding the position of Junior Expert Public Relations Officer and Acting Household Manager at the ministry. According to Suwitno, head of the Kemendikti Saintek Employees’ Association, Neni was terminated without proper procedures after a misunderstanding related to her duties.
Neni managed household affairs for the ministry but reportedly faced a sudden dismissal following a minor incident involving the replacement of an office desk. The association criticized the minister for failing to adhere to established disciplinary protocols, describing the termination as arbitrary and inhumane.
Neni’s Account
Neni claimed the issue began shortly after Minister Satryo assumed office and ordered her to replace the desk in the ministry office. She explained that the dispute over the temporary desk arrangement escalated unexpectedly. Following the incident, she said, she received direct threats of termination.
“When summoned, the minister abruptly told me I was fired. He demanded I leave immediately and pack up my belongings,” Neni said. She recounted being told, “Get out now. Take all your belongings and go to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education,” describing the dismissal as unjust and humiliating.
Neni said that a number of employees who work to serve the minister are worried that what happened to her will also happen to them. Neni hopes that the same thing will not happen again.
Therefore, the Kemendikti Saintek Employees Association is taking action as a means to show their feelings, and was an effort to bring the matter to the attention of President Prabowo Subianto, accusing the minister of abuse of power.
“If an employee makes a mistake, it can be followed up with disciplinary action. But the procedure must be clear, which is not done at all in this case. They were even expelled and dismissed, and even asked to leave,” Suwitno said.
Ministry’s Response
In response to the protest against Minister Satryo, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology issued a statement addressing the concerns raised by its employees. Director General of Higher Education Khairul Munadi acknowledged the ongoing tensions and emphasized the ministry’s commitment to resolving the issues arising during its transitional period.
“Rotations, promotions, and transfers of civil servants during this transition are standard practices aimed at refreshing the organization and providing a broader range of experiences,” he said during a dialogue with employees on Monday, as reported by Sindo News.
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Munadi assured that the ministry leadership would work to find the best solutions to the challenges faced during the transition and maintain open communication with staff.
The protest highlights growing unrest among ministry employees over what they see as an erosion of fair treatment and transparency during leadership changes. As the ministry works to address these grievances, the spotlight remains on the handling of civil servant rights and disciplinary procedures in Indonesia.
(Raidi/Agung)
