Protest at Gramedia Junction Heats Up; UGM Urges Students Not to be Clashed with Community Groups

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has responded to the demonstrations that took place in the Gramedia Junction area, Yogyakarta, on Tuesday (1/9/2026) evening. The protest reportedly escalated into a heated confrontation after a group of community members approached the demonstrators.

During the incident, six students were reported to have been injured and required treatment at Panti Rapih Hospital. Five of the six students were from UGM, while one was from Yogyakarta State University (UNY).

UGM Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Arie Sujito, expressed regret over the violence and requested that students expressing their aspirations not be pitted against community groups. He stated that students take to the streets to convey their thoughts and aspirations regarding both local and national situations.

“Do not clash these students with community groups. I am certain that we possess idealism and commitment, and that students are voicing their thoughts and aspirations,” said Arie when providing a statement to journalists at the UGM Central Building on Wednesday (2/9/2026).

According to him, expressing aspirations by students is a fundamental part of democratic practice. Therefore, any form of violence against students cannot be justified, especially when they are exercising their right to express opinions.

“No form of violence is permissible. In the name of humanity, in the name of democracy, and in the name of the institution, violence has no place,” he said.

Arie also called upon the police to fulfil their role in providing protection to all parties present at the protest site, including both students and the public.

“Given the crowded situation and so on, I hope the police can take their role to protect the community and protect the students; violence must not occur. I also do not want political thuggery to take place,” he said.

He assessed that the current economic and political crisis should be responded to by the government through policy improvements, rather than through terror or violent actions against those delivering criticism.

“If students are expressing aspirations, they should be heard. That is part of politics. Similarly, terrorising them is unjustifiable, especially through physical violence,” said Arie.

“What should actually be done is for the government to respond by improving policies. For that reason, I also hope that, for the sake of everyone, we maintain the right to express our aspirations,” he added.