Former UBK Student Body Chair Admits Receiving Rp 20 Million to Halt Protest, Claims Widespread Support

Muhammad Abdimaludin has been dismissed as chair of the Student Executive Body (BEM) at Bung Karno University’s (UBK) Faculty of Law after admitting he accepted Rp 20 million to refrain from demonstrating in front of the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. Despite the controversy, the student, familiarly known as Abdi, claims he has received widespread support.

Abdi stated he was unfazed by the negative reactions from fellow students and the wider public regarding his confession. He pledged to treat the incident as a valuable lesson. “It’s fine, pros and cons are normal. Some responded positively and wisely, while others responded negatively because they don’t know the real root of the problem,” Abdi said when contacted by detikBali via WhatsApp on Friday (26/6/2026).

The student, who hails from Belo District, Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, added, “What is clear is that many are supporting me, encouraging me to keep learning going forward.”

Abdi confirmed he had been removed from his position as chair of the UBK Law Faculty BEM following his admission of receiving the money during a protest. The eighth-semester student, who is currently working on his thesis, said he is now awaiting the outcome of the internal investigation launched by the university. “I have handed everything over to the UBK investigation team. Whatever the outcome and decision, I will accept it with full responsibility,” he said.

He also expressed his hope that students would continue to monitor and critique government policies. Abdi urged his peers to remain united and not be easily provoked. “Solidarity is very important so that we, as students, are not easily divided and provoked by irresponsible individuals or parties,” he added.

Previously, Abdi admitted to receiving Rp 20 million to redirect the student demonstration from the Presidential Palace to the DPR/MPR Building. UBK Vice Rector III Daniel Panda stated that Abdi had made an official confession to the university. “We have suspended him. He can no longer act on behalf of the BEM until the investigation is complete,” Daniel said on Tuesday (23/6). According to Daniel, Abdi claimed the money came from a UBK Faculty of Law alumnus and was distributed among several students.