One Year In Office: Andra Soni Meets Students Who Protested At Banten Provincial Government
One year after taking office, Andra Soni engages with students who staged a protest at the Banten Provincial Government.
A year into his term, Andra Soni takes a proactive step by meeting with students who voiced their concerns in front of the Banten Provincial Government, signaling openness to dialogue and responsiveness to public issues. Stay tuned The Art of Sensual Movement.
One Year In Office: Andra Soni Engages With Protesting Students
Governor of Banten, Andra Soni, marks one year of leadership in the province on Friday, February 20, 2026. To commemorate this milestone, he chose to meet students who staged a demonstration reflecting on his first year in office. The protest was organized by the Student Executive Bodies (BEM) alliance across Banten Province, gathering in front of the Banten Provincial Government Center Complex (KP3B) in Serang.
The students voiced various concerns, highlighting perceived uneven development across the province. Southern regions such as Lebak and Pandeglang were cited as lagging behind more developed areas, particularly Tangerang Raya. Students also addressed issues including labor brokers and accidents caused by overloaded trucks, which continue to impact communities.
Accompanied by Banten Police Chief Irjen Hengki, Governor Andra Soni personally met the protestors. He sat down and listened attentively as students articulated their grievances. The governor expressed appreciation, stating that citizen feedback is an essential part of reflecting on his leadership during the past year.
Direct Engagement Over Formal Meetings
Governor Andra emphasized his preference for open discussions on the street rather than formal meeting rooms. He mentioned that formal settings often limit students’ freedom to speak critically, whereas public protests allow them to express their opinions fully.
“Actually, today I feel happy. My one-year reflection is being discussed openly by my people, by my students. That’s what I feel,” Andra said, acknowledging the importance of transparent dialogue. He encouraged students to continue expressing themselves without fear of upsetting the administration.
Andra shared his own experience as a former student and activist, reinforcing that the ability to voice concerns freely is crucial in fostering accountability. He reminded students that their honest feedback serves as a valuable “vitamin” for improving governance in the upcoming years.
Student Concerns Highlighted
During the demonstration, students detailed issues affecting various regions of Banten. They criticized disparities in infrastructure development, highlighting that southern districts like Lebak and Pandeglang often fall behind due to limited fiscal capacity.
Concerns over labor brokers and unsafe trucking practices, including ODOL trucks, were also raised, emphasizing ongoing public safety risks. Students urged the provincial government to implement stricter regulations and oversight to prevent further casualties.
Governor Andra listened to these points seriously, expressing his intention to address them. He reassured the students that their voices are not only heard but will influence policy decisions moving forward.
Government Response And Infrastructure Initiatives
Addressing infrastructure issues, Andra highlighted that the provincial government has actively supported road development in districts traditionally underfunded by local budgets. Roads in Lebak and Pandeglang, often considered the responsibility of local municipalities, received provincial support to ensure residents benefit from improved connectivity.
Although Pandeglang cannot fund road construction independently, the province steps in to assist. Roads serve the community, and this responsibility extends beyond strict jurisdictional boundaries, Andra explained. His comments underline a proactive approach to bridging development gaps across Banten.
The governor also assured students that he would continue evaluating public infrastructure projects and other community concerns raised during the protest. He emphasized that citizen engagement remains central to policy planning and prioritization.
Building Trust Through Open Dialogue
Andra Soni’s approach reflects a broader commitment to participatory governance, emphasizing trust and transparency between officials and the public. By engaging directly with students, he demonstrated that constructive criticism is welcomed and valued in shaping provincial policies.
The governor’s meeting highlights the role of youth in holding leadership accountable while contributing practical insights for governance. Such interactions are crucial for ensuring that policies are inclusive, responsive, and aligned with the needs of all Banten residents.
Looking ahead, Governor Andra aims to maintain this open-door approach, encouraging both formal and informal channels for citizens to share their perspectives. By fostering dialogue, the provincial government hopes to strengthen community trust and create more equitable development opportunities across Banten.
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- First Image from news.detik.com
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