Mahfud urges Prabowo to reveal proof on paid protests

Former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD urged President Prabowo Subianto to disclose the identity of any party allegedly paying demonstrators if he has evidence. Speaking at UC UGM in Sleman on Thursday (25/6), Mahfud said claims of paid protests are not enough when stated in general terms without naming who was paid, who paid, and which groups were involved. He compared that with student criticism of the government, which usually points openly to policies, cases, and institutions. Mahfud also deplored an admission by students at Universitas Bung Karno that they received Rp20 juta for a previous action. Still, he said such practices were only a small current and did not represent the student movement as a whole. Earlier, Prabowo said he knew the masterminds who paid and channeled money to mobilize demonstrations.