Civil Groups, Student Boards Defend BEM UI in Post Criticizing Jokowi

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A coalition of a number of civil society organizations and Student Executive Boards (BEM) of various universities voiced support for the BEM UI or the University of Indonesia.

The UI Rectorate’s action that summoned the student board after criticizing President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo via social media was considered to have suppressed the freedom of speech.

“[We] urge the University of Indonesia leaders to guarantee the freedom of speech exercised by UI students as it is guaranteed by the constitution,” as quoted from the coalition’s written statement on Monday, June 28.

Tempo has asked for confirmation regarding the release to the Campaigner for Greenpeace Indonesia, Asep Komarudin. He said the release listed 44 organizations, including the Indonesia BEM Alliance, Greenpeace Indonesia, the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), and the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI).

The coalition assessed that actors who suppress the freedom of speech are not only from the state but also from universities. Thus, it is becoming clear that civil liberties are getting curbed further.

“The content in BEM UI’s Instagram is now being attacked by buzzers through comments and they also attack the account of BEM UI chairman Leon Alvinda Putra. The summon by UI bureaucrats indicates that civil liberties are being systematically curbed by the state.”

Previously reported, the UI Rectorate called in the BEM UI after they posted posters calling President Jokowi as the King of Lip Service. Leon said it was a form of criticism based on arguments and data.

Read: Academic Slams UI Rectorate for Summoning BEM UI After Criticizing

M YUSUF MANURUNG