Bung Karno University Suspends Student Leader After Alleged Bribe to Redirect Protest

Bung Karno University (UBK) has suspended the chairman of its Law Faculty Student Executive Board (BEM) following an internal investigation into a demonstration held on 15 June 2026. The university leadership confirmed the student protest was a purely independent initiative and not directed by the institution.

UBK Rector Sri Mumpuni Ngesti Rahaju stated that while the university respects students’ rights to express their aspirations, any actions or statements made during such activities are the sole responsibility of the individuals involved. She emphasised that UBK will not tolerate any academic violations and will impose sanctions in accordance with campus regulations.

Wakil Rektor III Daniel Panda revealed that the suspended BEM chairman, M Abdimaludin, had formally admitted to receiving Rp 20 million from a senior alumni member, who allegedly obtained the funds from a police officer. The money was reportedly handed over in the early hours before the protest with instructions to move the demonstration site from the vicinity of the Presidential Palace to the DPR building. Despite accepting the money, the students ultimately proceeded to the Palace area.

UBK has called on all parties, including the public and media, to avoid generalisations that could harm the reputation of the university and its thousands of active, high-achieving students. The institution maintains it is committed to an objective and balanced clarification process, upholding the principle of presumption of innocence, and preserving its role as an educational space rooted in the nationalist values of Bung Karno.