Professors and Intellectuals Condemn Undermining of Student Movement
Dozens of figures, including professors, activists, and intellectuals from various universities and institutions across Indonesia, have declared their support for student movements striving for justice and democracy. They are united under the Interdisciplinary Intellectual Forum (FIAD).
FIAD representative Usman Hamid stated that the group’s support stems from the increasingly massive efforts to undermine, suppress, and co-opt critical student movements. Such actions represent a real threat to democracy and civil liberties. “Student movements are an important pillar in the history of this nation’s struggle,” Usman said in a written statement on Saturday, 27 June 2026.
He explained that throughout history, student movements have proven themselves to be agents of change, bravely voicing truth and justice. When crucial issues such as economic inequality and civil liberties are ignored by the state, students become the hope for the public to uphold civilian supremacy.
Therefore, Usman stated that FIAD condemns all forms of undermining or intimidation directed at student movements. Furthermore, freedom of expression and organisation are fundamental human rights protected by the constitution.
He reminded that the role of intellectuals is not limited to the classroom but extends to the public sphere. As educated individuals, FIAD holds a moral responsibility to defend truth and justice, particularly those voiced through student movements.
“Therefore, we declare our full support for the student movement and will continue to stand in solidarity to fight for the ideals of the nation’s founders, which are based on humanity and social justice,” said the Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia.
The dozens of professors, activists, and intellectuals within FIAD include notable figures such as Setyo Wibowo, a lecturer at STF Driyarkara; Susi Dwi Harijanti, a professor of constitutional law at Padjadjaran University; Zainal Arifin Mochtar, a professor at the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University; and former Attorney General Marzuki Darusman.
Previously, in a report titled “How the Authorities Undermine Student Movements” published on 25 June 2026, Tempo explored efforts by those in power to co-opt student movements, such as allegedly bribing students from Bung Karno University to relocate demonstrations and hold closed audiences with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
Prior to the UBK case emerging, several student organisations under the name BEM Bersatu had expressed rejection of the alleged exploitation of student movements by practical political interests.
“Student movements must remain the voice of the people, not a tool for elites in the struggle for power,” said spokesperson Rahmat Djimbula in Jakarta on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. He emphasised the need to maintain the independence of student movements from political intervention.