TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Acting DG of Higher Education of the Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Ministry Nizam responded to the wave of campus criticism of the current administration of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

"It is part of academic freedom and platform that we respect and protect as mandated by the Higher Education Law," he told Tempo on Sunday.

According to Nizam, a democratic country protects the freedom to express through the law and even its constitution. Thus, what campuses are doing is part of expressing opinions as academics as well as citizens.

"Various perspectives from campuses clearly show their attention and care for the government and our current democratic party," he added.

Nizam also said that the most important thing is to maintain a peaceful atmosphere ahead of the general elections slated for February 14.

"Most importantly, campuses must stay neutral and ensure the democratic party smooth sails peacefully and securely," Nizam said.

Political observer Rocky Gerung said that the wave of criticism by various universities such as Gadjah made University, University of Indonesia, UII, Andalas University, Unpad, and others was born out of anxiety and anger toward the current state of democracy in Indonesia.

This situation, Rocky said, cannot be salvaged with law. "Law works within order, which is absent at the time," he remarked.

He also said that before the faculty spoke up, students had done so earlier. "It's ridiculous if certain parties try to deter them," he concluded.

YUNI ROCHMAWATI

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