Palace Response to Terrorisation of UGM Student Executive Body Chairman
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi has drawn attention to the manner in which Gadjah Mada University (UGM) Student Executive Body (BEM) chairman Tiyo Ardianto delivered his criticism of the government, which preceded recent threats of terror against him. President Prabowo Subianto's spokesman did not deny that he was more focused on how the BEM UGM chairman expressed his criticism than on condemning the acts of intimidation.
"There is no problem with expressing one's opinion, but the manner of doing so should serve as a lesson for all of us — for example, one should avoid using impolite or inappropriate language," Prasetyo said at the House of Representatives complex in Jakarta on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
As a UGM alumnus, Prasetyo also noted that his message was not directed solely at Tiyo but applied generally. He argued that the public should uphold Eastern cultural principles when voicing criticism, prioritising ethics and propriety.
The Gerindra Party politician continued that the government guarantees freedom of expression for all citizens. However, he reiterated that criticism must be delivered wisely and with carefully chosen words. "When we wish to convey something, we must also select the appropriate diction so that it becomes a learning experience," he said.
Furthermore, Prasetyo stated that the government has no knowledge of who carried out the terrorisation against Tiyo. He claimed he would look into the circumstances of the incidents.
"We don't know who is behind the terror. But regarding what Tiyo has expressed, I urge everyone to convey matters with full responsibility," Prasetyo said.
BEM UGM chairman Tiyo Ardianto received threats after protesting the Prabowo government's negligence in preventing the tragedy of a child's suicide in East Nusa Tenggara. Tiyo received threatening WhatsApp messages about kidnapping from a number with a British country code, four days after BEM criticised Prabowo. In addition to kidnapping threats, the perpetrator also sent messages accusing Tiyo of being a foreign agent and seeking attention.
The intimidation targeting Tiyo extended to his parents. Tiyo recounted that his mother was terrorised on Saturday evening, 14 February. The message contained accusations that Tiyo had embezzled campus funds.
The sender attached a photograph of Tiyo with a caption alleging that the BEM UGM chairman had misappropriated fundraising money intended for students receiving the Indonesia Smart Card (Kartu Indonesia Pintar). After receiving these threats, Tiyo's mother became anxious. "I reassured my mother that nothing would happen," Tiyo said when contacted on Sunday, 15 February 2026.
Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta has provided monitoring and protection for Tiyo following the series of threats from unknown individuals. Tiyo has also submitted a request for protection to the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK).
The terrorisation of Tiyo has drawn condemnation from various quarters, with growing demands to uncover the intellectual authors behind it. These calls have come from House of Representatives Commission X member Hilman Mufidi as well as the Indonesian Caucus for Academic Freedom.
"There is no problem with expressing one's opinion, but the manner of doing so should serve as a lesson for all of us — for example, one should avoid using impolite or inappropriate language," Prasetyo said at the House of Representatives complex in Jakarta on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
As a UGM alumnus, Prasetyo also noted that his message was not directed solely at Tiyo but applied generally. He argued that the public should uphold Eastern cultural principles when voicing criticism, prioritising ethics and propriety.
The Gerindra Party politician continued that the government guarantees freedom of expression for all citizens. However, he reiterated that criticism must be delivered wisely and with carefully chosen words. "When we wish to convey something, we must also select the appropriate diction so that it becomes a learning experience," he said.
Furthermore, Prasetyo stated that the government has no knowledge of who carried out the terrorisation against Tiyo. He claimed he would look into the circumstances of the incidents.
"We don't know who is behind the terror. But regarding what Tiyo has expressed, I urge everyone to convey matters with full responsibility," Prasetyo said.
BEM UGM chairman Tiyo Ardianto received threats after protesting the Prabowo government's negligence in preventing the tragedy of a child's suicide in East Nusa Tenggara. Tiyo received threatening WhatsApp messages about kidnapping from a number with a British country code, four days after BEM criticised Prabowo. In addition to kidnapping threats, the perpetrator also sent messages accusing Tiyo of being a foreign agent and seeking attention.
The intimidation targeting Tiyo extended to his parents. Tiyo recounted that his mother was terrorised on Saturday evening, 14 February. The message contained accusations that Tiyo had embezzled campus funds.
The sender attached a photograph of Tiyo with a caption alleging that the BEM UGM chairman had misappropriated fundraising money intended for students receiving the Indonesia Smart Card (Kartu Indonesia Pintar). After receiving these threats, Tiyo's mother became anxious. "I reassured my mother that nothing would happen," Tiyo said when contacted on Sunday, 15 February 2026.
Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta has provided monitoring and protection for Tiyo following the series of threats from unknown individuals. Tiyo has also submitted a request for protection to the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK).
The terrorisation of Tiyo has drawn condemnation from various quarters, with growing demands to uncover the intellectual authors behind it. These calls have come from House of Representatives Commission X member Hilman Mufidi as well as the Indonesian Caucus for Academic Freedom.