Shinta Maharani, Jakarta – Indonesian students in Sydney, Australia, confronted members of Commission XI of the House of Representatives (DPR) during their working visit and tour, amid widespread demonstrations protesting lawmakers' allowances.
Mahesti Hasanah, a political economics doctoral candidate at the University of Sydney, said the students took the initiative to approach the DPR members.
"They avoided the students and left immediately," she told Tempo on Saturday.
The DPR members had reportedly planned to visit Scenic World & Echo Point, a popular amusement and tourist spot in the Blue Mountains featuring a cable car and scenic views.
According to Mahesti, the visit was ultimately canceled after their travel plans became public. She added that the lawmakers had also booked a dinner at one of Sydney's high-end restaurants.
Indonesian students reportedly saw the DPR members using a limousine and staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.
Mahesti also noted that some of the members were rumored to participate in the Sydney Marathon on Sunday, August 31, 2025, including Commission XI Chairman Muhamad Misbakhun.
She said Indonesian students in Australia voiced their rejection and condemnation of the working visit, criticizing the lawmakers for showing little empathy toward the current conditions faced by the Indonesian public.
A lecturer from the Department of Politics and Government at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta also called for a careful evaluation of the substance of the DPR members' Sydney visit. The lecturer questioned whether the choice of Sydney genuinely served public interests or personal agendas, such as participating in the marathon.
Working visits abroad are unethical, not a priority, and show no empathy towards the current condition of the society," Mahesti said.
Chairperson of Commission XI, Misbakhun, clarified that the Sydney visit had been scheduled prior to the demonstrations. He also denied rumors that he would participate in the marathon on Sunday.
Previously, Misbakhun's name appeared on the official event website as a registered participant. "I assure you I won't participate," he said in a WhatsApp message.
Regarding his registration, Misbakhun explained that the World Major Marathon category requires registration a year in advance. As a marathon enthusiast, he often registers but does not always run.
"I assure you that if I run on August 31, it will be in the GBK area. Hopefully, GBK can still be used for sports," he said.