Khairul Ikhwan, Medan – Some 50 or so students in the North Sumatra city of Medan demonstrated on April 2 against the general elections that will take place on April 9. The group said that students believe that the elections will not bring about change or resolve the problems of the ordinary people.

The statement was made by some students from the United Medan Student Movement (GMMB) during an anti-election protest action in the Jl. Gatot Subroto roundabout area of Medan on Thursday.

In addition to unfurling posters and banners, the students also held a theatrical action depicting the oppression by the political elite against the little people.

One of the demonstrators, Gosmen, said that in its efforts to win power, the political elite and legislative candidates frequently serve up sweet sounding promises during their campaigns.

"[But] after [gaining] a seat on the soft legislative bench, will they remember the people's difficulties? [No] they will only think about how to get the money back that [they] have been throwing around during the [election] campaign", said Gosmen.

In its statement, the GMMB invited local people to golput (to abstain from voting, boycott or cast an invalid ballot) by ticking all of the legislative candidates names and the parties on the ballot paper on election day, because to golput is also the ordinary people's right.

In addition to this, the GMMB also condemned the political elite and the legislative candidates who have been conducting campaigns on campus grounds, including candidates who have intentionally put up posters and banners on campuses. (rul/djo)

[Translated by James Balowski.]