Student Criticism Must Prioritise Ethics and Uphold Democracy

Tuan Guru Batak Syekh Ahmad Sabban el-Rahmaniy Rajagukguk has stated that students’ criticism of the government must prioritise ethics and uphold democracy. He said students, as intellectuals, must set a good example in expressing their opinions to maintain the well-functioning democracy in Indonesia.

According to him, criticism and freedom of expression are the rights of every citizen. However, this freedom must be exercised with ethics, responsibility, and a respect for democracy as a characteristic of the Indonesian nation. He stressed that Indonesia is a nation that upholds religious values, Pancasila, and Eastern culture, which prioritises politeness in expressing opinions.

"As children of the nation, as a religious nation that has Pancasila, where the first principle is Belief in the One and Only God, and the second is Just and Civilised Humanity. And we are also a cultured nation with moral values," he said in a written statement on Thursday, 2 July 2026.

He added that differences of opinion and criticism of the government are normal in a democracy. However, this should not be manifested in the form of insults, curses, or humiliation towards other parties. "Please speak up, but do not resort to insults, curses, or derision. We must not revile or mock each other, because we are a civilised nation," he said.

Tuan Guru Batak also called on all elements of society to jointly educate the younger generation on the importance of maintaining ethics and morality in national and state life. "Let us together provide education, teaching ethical and moral values to all our nation’s children, so that the nation grows into a great and civilised nation that always upholds religious values, Pancasila values, and cultural and moral values," he said.

A similar sentiment was expressed by the Indonesian State Secretary Minister, Prasetyo Hadi. He said criticism and the expression of opinions are legitimate in a democracy. However, their delivery must prioritise ethics and responsibility. Prasetyo Hadi explained that freedom of expression is a constitutional right of every citizen. This includes the right for students to voice their aspirations and criticisms regarding public policy or issues. However, this right comes with responsibility.