Palace Responds to Prabowo's Statement Affirming Academic Freedom on Campus

The Deputy Minister of State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia, Juri Ardiantoro, has explained the intent behind President Prabowo Subianto’s statement requesting that universities maintain academic freedom, rather than other forms of freedom.

He stated that the government respects and upholds academic freedom within higher education environments. However, he reminded that such freedom must remain based on academic values and responsibilities.

“The President always conveys that campuses possess academic freedom, and everyone knows this does not need to be disputed; the President fully understands and respects academic freedom on campus,” Juri told reporters at the Presidential Palace Complex on Monday, 29 June 2026.

Furthermore, Juri noted that the President’s emphasis lies on the academic aspect itself. As long as an activity, view, or opinion can be scientifically and academically justified, such freedom is legitimate within the university environment.

“Therefore, the emphasis is on academic freedom. As long as it can be academically accounted for, freedom on campus is valid and permissible,” he said.

“The issue is whether the freedoms exercised by various groups on campus reflect academic freedom or fall outside of things that are not based on academic values. That is the point of note,” he added.

Previously, President Prabowo Subianto explained the importance of the role of universities in Indonesia. He emphasised that higher education institutions must serve as spaces for the development of knowledge, science, and technology.

He asserted that the government has no issue with differing views, as universities are places where ideas are contested. “It is no problem if we have different views. Universities are places where ideas, views, philosophies, and innovations are pitted against one another,” Prabowo said during a KSTI Ministry of Higher Education event on Sunday, 28 June 2026.

The President emphasised that the freedom held by campuses is academic freedom—the freedom to develop knowledge and seek solutions to various national problems—and nothing else.

“It was stated that campuses have academic freedom, not other types of freedom,” he said.

Prabowo reminded higher education institutions not to become places filled with conflict. Instead, campuses must actively develop science and technology that can provide tangible benefits to society.