FISIP Unas Denies Having Student Executive Body, Refutes BEM Bersatu Claim

The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Universitas Nasional (Unas) has confirmed that it does not have a Student Executive Body (BEM) at the faculty level. This clarification was issued in response to an individual who claimed to be the Chairman of BEM FISIP Unas during a press conference held by the BEM Bersatu alliance. “FISIP Universitas Nasional does not have a BEM organisation at the faculty level. Therefore, there is no position of Chairman of BEM FISIP Universitas Nasional within the student organisation structure at FISIP Universitas Nasional,” said Dean of FISIP Unas, Aos Yuli Firdaus, in a written statement on Wednesday (17/6). Aos stated that the individual introduced or claiming to be the Chairman of BEM FISIP Unas at the event does not have the institutional capacity to represent FISIP Universitas Nasional in that capacity. He asserted that the individual’s presence and statements at the event are a personal responsibility and cannot be interpreted as the official stance, views, or representation of FISIP Unas. Aos emphasised that FISIP Unas respects every student’s right to express opinions, express themselves, and participate in democratic life in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. “However, the use of student organisation identities, attributes, and positions must be carried out appropriately, accurately, and responsibly so as not to cause misunderstandings in the community,” he said. Citing detik.com, the student alliance called BEM Bersatu previously declared its rejection of student movements being exploited for practical political interests. They believe student movements should be the voice of the people, not a tool for seizing power. “We, BEM Bersatu, reject all forms of exploitation of student movements by practical political interests. Student movements must remain the voice of the people, not an elite tool in the struggle for power,” said BEM Bersatu representative Rahmat Djimbula, who is the Chairman of BEM Hukum UIC, during a press conference in Utan Kayu, East Jakarta, on Tuesday (16/6). To that end, they issued several demands, including: 1. Urging the sterilisation of student movements from funding, facilities, and all forms of practical political intervention. 2. Supporting the continuation of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme with notes on governance improvements to ensure it is targeted and accountable. 3. Supporting the thorough investigation of corruptors without discrimination and inviting all Indonesian students to oversee the legal process critically and objectively.