Complete Chronology of Official's Discussion at UGM That Ended in Chaos, Students Storm Stage Before Dramatic Evacuation

A public discussion featuring several government officials at the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK) building of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Yogyakarta on Monday evening, 15 June 2026, ended in chaos. The event, which initially proceeded in an orderly manner, turned into a scene of tension between students and the panellists, ultimately triggering a dramatic evacuation under tight security escort.

The forum, titled ‘Kopdar Bareng Mas Dar’, featured Budiman Sudjatmiko, Head of the Poverty Alleviation Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin); Nusron Wahid, Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Head of the National Land Agency (ATR/BPN); and Sudaryono, Deputy Minister of Agriculture.

Beginning around 7 p.m. local time, the discussion initially ran smoothly. The speakers took turns presenting their views and explaining government programmes to an audience composed mostly of students. Deputy Minister Sudaryono first outlined several agricultural sector initiatives, including a proposed single-door export scheme aimed at preventing data leaks. Nusron Wahid subsequently detailed various government programmes designed to improve public welfare amid ongoing global economic challenges.

The forum remained orderly until Budiman Sudjatmiko took the floor. He addressed the issue of freedom of expression and the proper ways to criticise public officials. Tensions flared when Budiman suggested that criticism directed at him should be conveyed through official forums rather than via social media. This statement provoked a strong reaction from some students in attendance. Shortly afterwards, a number of students moved from the seating area towards the front of the room, approaching the stage where the speakers were seated. The previously calm atmosphere quickly grew tense as participants began openly voicing protests against the panellists.