National Commission on Human Rights Discusses Freedom of Expression on Campus
The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has stated that higher education institutions must function as safe environments for freedom of opinion and expression. Putu Elvina, External Vice Chair of Komnas HAM, emphasised that freedom of speech and expression are vital pillars of democracy that must be continuously protected, particularly within campus environments.
These remarks were delivered during the ‘Komnas HAM Goes to Campus’ event held at the Faculty of Sharia and Law, Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University (UIN) on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. “Students are the moral guardians of democracy. Through discussion and critical reasoning, campuses must be safe spaces to convey ideas without fear of being silenced,” Putu Elvina stated during the discussion.
According to Putu, the younger generation plays a strategic role in maintaining the quality of democracy. The ability to think critically, present arguments, and respect differing views is essential for strengthening the culture of human rights in Indonesia. The event, a collaboration between Komnas HAM and UIN Sunan Kalijaga, aimed to encourage students to develop critical and logical reasoning when addressing issues related to freedom of expression.
The Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Noorhaidi Hasan, expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that such collaborations provide vital learning opportunities for students to understand their responsibilities in safeguarding democratic spaces. The discussion also featured Professor of Law Lindra Darnela, who reviewed the current state of freedom of speech in Indonesia and the challenges in maintaining a healthy and inclusive civic space.
Additionally, Sasanti Amisani, Head of the Komnas HAM Public Relations Working Group, outlined the functions of Komnas HAM as a state institution dedicated to creating conducive conditions for the respect, protection, and fulfilment of human rights in Indonesia.
Freedom of expression on campus has recently been marred by several incidents, including the dispersal of a screening of the documentary film ‘Pesta Babi’. On 12 May 2026, a screening at Khairun University in Ternate was disrupted by an individual in military uniform. Similar incidents occurred in Ternate on 8 May 2026, and at the University of Mataram (Unram) on 7 May 2026, where campus security personnel blocked a projector during a student-led screening. At Unram, Vice Rector III Sujita prohibited the screening, stating that the film’s content was inappropriate for the campus as it allegedly discredited the Indonesian government.