BEM Bersatu Alleges Links Between Retired General Setyo Sularso and Student Activist Tiyo Ardianto
The BEM Bersatu student alliance has voiced its rejection of student movements being exploited for political interests. They highlighted the alleged closeness between former UGM Student Executive Board (BEM) Chair Tiyo Ardianto, a key protest organiser, and a retired military general.
This was stated by BEM Bersatu representative Rahmat Djimbula, Chair of BEM at UIC Law School, during a press conference in Utan Kayu, East Jakarta, on Tuesday (16/6/2026). The claim is based on the fact that the Fortuner vehicle used by Tiyo is registered under the name Siti Nuraeni, who is linked to retired TNI General Andhika Perkasa, a figure in Ganjar Pranowo’s 2024 presidential campaign team.
“The Fortuner vehicle he used is allegedly registered to Siti Nuraeni, the younger sibling of retired Lieutenant General TNI Setyo Sularso, who is a relative by marriage of retired General TNI Andhika Perkasa, a key member of Ganjar Pranowo’s presidential campaign team. This suspicion is reinforced by the presence of PDI Perjuangan politician Andi Widjajanto among the masses during the protest,” Djimbula stated.
Furthermore, Tiyo is scheduled to participate in a dialogue featuring figures such as Said Didu, Roy Suryo, Refly Harun, and Dr. Tifa. These factors form the basis for their claim that Tiyo has close ties to a specific political network. “In the same forum, retired Lieutenant General TNI Setyo Sularso was also recorded as being present, indicating a network that warrants scrutiny,” he added.
BEM Bersatu rejects narratives of a crisis that are not based on complete data, arguing they divert public focus. They believe the student movement must remain the voice of the people, not a tool for power struggles. “We, BEM Bersatu, reject all forms of hijacking the student movement for practical political interests. The student movement must remain the voice of the people, not an elite tool in the contest for power,” he declared.
Their demands are as follows:
Urge the sterilisation of the student movement from funding, facilities, and all forms of practical political intervention.
Support the continuation of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme, with notes on governance improvements to ensure it is well-targeted and accountable.
Support the thorough investigation of corruptors without discrimination and call on all Indonesian students to oversee the legal process critically and objectively.
detikcom has contacted Tiyo to confirm the statements from BEM Bersatu, but no response has been received as of yet.