JCM: Campuses must remain safe spaces for intellectual dialectics

The Young Intellectuals Network (JCM) has stressed that campuses must remain safe spaces for intellectual dialectics and responsible freedom of thought. “JCM asserts that differences of opinion should be resolved through dialogue, argumentation, and the exchange of ideas, not through persecution or forced dissolution,” said Muh. Jusrianto, Secretary General of PB HMI and Founder of JCM, in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday. JCM expressed regret over the dissolution of a scholarly discussion held at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) some time ago. “Intimidating actions against academic activities are a form of silencing that undermines democracy and academic freedom,” Jusrianto said. Furthermore, JCM also rejects all forms of intervention and the hijacking of student movements by practical political interests. “Students must maintain their independence as a moral force and agent of social control that sides with the people’s interests. Therefore, any form of student mobilisation directed towards electoral interests or the political agenda of certain groups must be openly rejected,” he stated. In its statement, JCM also provided several inputs on a number of national strategic programmes. Regarding the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, JCM supports the goal of improving human resource quality but warns of potential governance, oversight, and distribution issues that must be promptly addressed. “Additionally, JCM urges that the implementation of the Red and White Village Cooperatives be carried out professionally and transparently so they do not become instruments exploited by oligarchic interests at the local level. It also asks the government to ensure energy policies continue to favour the lower-middle class and MSME actors who are most vulnerable to price fluctuations,” Jusrianto said. In terms of macroeconomic aspects, JCM emphasised the importance of concrete steps to strengthen the national fiscal condition through increasing state revenue, efficiency in government spending, eradicating budget leakages, and strengthening productive sectors. According to JCM, a healthy fiscal position is a primary prerequisite for sustainable development, social protection, and national economic resilience amid increasing global uncertainty. “JCM invites all elements of the nation to maintain national stability, nurture a healthy democracy, and oversee development with a critical, objective, and constructive attitude,” Jusrianto said. The Young Intellectuals Network Forum comprises the secretaries general of national youth and student organisations, namely PB HMI Secretary General Muh. Jusrianto, PP KAMMI Secretary General Nazmul Watan, PP Himas Persis Secretary General Hafidh Fadhlurrohman, DPP GMNI Secretary General Patra Dewa, PP Hikmahbudhi Secretary General Dwi Purnomo, EN LMND Secretary General Julfikar Hasan, PP KMHDI Secretary General I Nengah Candra Irawan, PP PMKRI Secretary General Putri Sukmaniara, and DPP IMM Secretary General Muhammad Zaki Mubarak. JCM is committed to continuously overseeing public policy, safeguarding democracy, and ensuring national development proceeds in line with the ideals of social justice for all Indonesian people.