Experience as an Activist, Melanie Subono Warns Students Not to Be Satisfied with Just an Apology!

Kapanlagi.com - Melanie Subono, who is known not only as a musician but also as a seasoned activist, delivered a striking message to students and activists who are currently fighting to voice the people's demands to the DPR. She reminded them not to be easily swayed by the warm welcome and sweet promises that have been given by the DPR.

In her statement, Melanie reminded that the people's anger is not without reason, but rather a reflection of the injustices felt on a daily basis, especially when DPR members provoke public anger with insensitive behavior. Melanie responded to the moment when student representatives were received by the council members. For her, that is just the first step which is by no means a guarantee.

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1. Memorizing the 'Sorry' Pattern ala DPR

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Based on her experience of decades of activism on the streets, Melanie admits she is very familiar with such patterns. Being accepted, invited to dialogue, and even being asked for forgiveness has become a very common experience for her.

"Don't give up. If that's really your demand, keep pushing until there are results. Just an apology, oh... I'm getting tired of hearing it," she said when met in the Senayan area, Central Jakarta, on Friday (05/9/2025).

2. Emphasize to Keep Monitoring Demands

The daughter of promoter Adrie Subono emphasized that the demands that have been voiced must be continuously monitored until there is truly a real change. Promises and apologies, according to her, will not change anything. Melanie also highlighted the behavior of DPR members who have the same pattern regarding promises and even 'dinner invitations'.

"We, friends, have been accepted millions of times. Have been asked for forgiveness millions of times. Promised millions of times, even invited to dinner millions of times," she continued, implying her skepticism.

3. Maintain Optimism

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Nevertheless, Melanie emphasized that she must remain optimistic. For her, optimism is the main fuel for an activist to keep moving and not give up on circumstances.

"It must, optimism must, Miss. If not, I won't be an activist or a social worker," she said.

Melanie is also involved in overseeing the '17+8 People's Demands', emphasizing the importance of following up on these demands until there are tangible results. She reminded that one should not just accept apologies without real actions.

4. Keep Your Pessimism Towards the DPR

However, behind her optimism, she harbors a significant pessimism regarding the empathy and self-awareness of officials, which she believes is difficult to cultivate.

"What I am pessimistic about is only...the self-awareness and empathy and sympathy that can grow from the people we pay and elevate to be there," she concluded.

Melanie reminded DPR members to have empathy and sensitivity towards the conditions of the people. She suggested that they go directly to the field to feel the pulse of the community's life.

5. QnA Melanie Subono Regarding Demands to the DPR

What did Melanie Subono criticize about the DPR? Melanie Subono criticized the lack of sensitivity of DPR members to the aspirations of the people and the display of wealth.

What is '17+8 People's Demands'? '17+8 People's Demands' is a wave of public aspirations calling for attention and real action from the DPR.

What is Melanie's advice for DPR members? Melanie advises DPR members to go directly to the field and experience the conditions of the people.

(kpl/aal/fbi)