Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A protest by hundreds of employees of Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendikti Saintek) against alleged unfair treatment by Minister Prof. Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro resolved in reconciliations.
According to CNN Indonesia, Secretary-General of the Ministry, Togar M. Simatupang, confirmed that Minister Satryo met with ministry employee Neni Herlina on Monday night to address allegations of wrongful dismissal. The meeting, held at the minister’s official residence, facilitated reconciliation between the parties.
“During the discussion, both sides shared their concerns, clarified misunderstandings, and reconciled. They agreed to move forward in mutual understanding,” Togar stated.
He added that Neni would continue working at the ministry, as would another civil servant, Angga, who had also been reportedly dismissed. Discussions regarding Neni’s role are ongoing as part of an organizational restructuring effort.
Togar emphasized that there had been no terminations, explaining that the reorganization process involved routine rotations, promotions, and demotions.
Employee Protests
Earlier on Monday, hundreds of ministry employees staged a protest outside the ministry’s headquarters. They accused Minister Satryo of acting arbitrarily since his appointment by President Prabowo Subianto.
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.
Head of the Kemendikti Saintek Employees’ Association, Suwitno stated that Neni was terminated without proper procedures after a misunderstanding related to her duties.
Read also : Hundreds of Employees Stage Protest Against Minister of Higher Educations Satryo Soemantri
Minister’s Response
Prof. Satryo addressed the situation, denying any wrongful dismissals and attributing the grievances to a broader rotation and restructuring effort within the ministry.
“We are undergoing a process of rotation and reassignment to optimize our organizational structure. I assured the employees that their careers and welfare remain a priority,” he said as reported by Kompas on Tuesday, January 21.
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.
Parliamentary Oversight
In response to the protest, Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR) announced plans to summon Minister Satryo for clarification.
According to Tirto, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Deputy Speaker of the DPR, stated that minister Satryo would be summoned during a working meeting with the parliamentary Commission X on Tuesday (January 21). The session will also involve evaluation following recent protests by ministry employees against his leadership.
“We will request the relevant commission overseeing the ministry to conduct further monitoring and evaluation,” Dasco stated at the Nusantara I Building in the DPR/MPR complex on Monday (January 20, 2025).
Dasco added that the DPR is currently assessing the circumstances surrounding the protest. However, he noted that immediate action would be limited as the legislature remains in recess.
The resolution marks a step toward addressing employee concerns while highlighting the importance of transparent governance in public institutions.
(Raidi/Agung)
