TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The police are suspected of intimidating several professors and academics taking part in the current stream of criticism over the collapse of democracy under the leadership of President Joko Widodo or Jokowi. However, the intimidation has not dampened the plans being prepared by academic institutions across the country.

A Tempo source claimed that there are at least 17 universities that will and have declared their statements criticizing the current government ahead of the 2024 elections.

Among the academic institutions planning to make voice their statement today, Feb. 5, are the Ahmad Dahlan University, STF-Driyakara, Brawijaya University, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Muhammadiyah University Surakarta, Airlangga University Surabaya, Surabaya State University, Jember University, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Muhammadiyah University of West Sumatra, Tadulako University, Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Bandung Islamic University, Sriwijaya University, Indonesia University of Education, and Malang State University.

As reported by Koran Tempo’s Monday, January 5, 2024 edition, Deputy Chancellor II of the Semarang Muhammadiyah University (Unmus) Hardi Winoto said that two police officers asked for an interview about the election and a video testimony about the goodness of the Jokowi government.

However, on Friday, Feb. 2, Hardi was informed that his video was being used to support a certain presidential candidate pair.

The upcoming presidential race features three candidate pairs, including Prabowo Subianto and his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is Jokowi’s eldest son.

Hardi’s testimony video was circulated following the recent stream of academic criticism, first sparked by the Bulaksumur Petition by UGM academics.

Tempo has been trying to reach the National Police regarding the alleged police intimidation of academics. However, the National Police’s spokesmen Insp. Gen. Sandi Nugroho and Brig. Gen. Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko have not responded to requests for clarification.

EKA YUDHA | JAMAL ABDUN NASHR | BAGUS PRIBADI

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