UGM Removes Viral Banner at Campus Gate
UGM Removes Viral Banner at Campus Gate
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) removed a banner bearing the label ‘Surat Permohonan Maaf’ that had been installed in front of the campus entrance at Sleman, Yogyakarta, on Thursday morning, 21 May.
By Thursday afternoon, the banner bearing UGM’s name was no longer at the site.
UGM spokesperson I Made Andi Arsana confirmed in a statement that the ‘apology letter’ banner had briefly been displayed outside the campus gate.
However, Made Andi rejected the notion that the banner was installed by UGM or represented the university’s official view.
“Although it bears the name of UGM, the hoarding was not installed by UGM and does not represent UGM’s official views. Accordingly, the hoarding appropriated UGM’s identity and does not meet the applicable regulations,” wrote Made Andi.
In principle, UGM respects and safeguards freedom of expression and the articulation of aspirations by every citizen. However, according to Made Andi, any form of expressing aspirations must still respect the governance rules on the use of campus space and require a clear responsibility from the party installing it.
“In light of this, the hoarding has been removed because the installation location did not conform to the designated use of information media in the campus area,” he concluded.
The banner itself stated that the campus, located at Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta, apologises for having allowed Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka to become President-Vice President of RI 2024-2029.
It reads that the apology is made as a form of remorse, because they view the current national leadership as corrupt and a shortcut to the country’s downfall. This is marked by the ascent of people lacking competence, political misery, and economic disorder.
“With respect, Universitas Gadjah Mada” reads the inscription at the bottom of the banner.
Separately, Acting Chair of the UGM 2026 BEM (Student Executive Board), Sheron Adam Funay, said that the apology banner was posted by grassroots colleagues on his campus as a form of shared discontent. He supported the action.
According to Sheron, the concern relates to Indonesia’s current situation, which is experiencing heavy uncertainty under the leadership of Prabowo Subianto, particularly given the recent economic conditions.
Sheron added that various data, especially in economics, show a decline in public and investor confidence. The current uncertain economy directly affects the lives of students and the wider community.
“Campus, as a space for academic life, should be free to express. This is the boundary of the campus stance that the BEM friends hope to see. Our friends’ disquiet does not come from nowhere. While we hope the campus takes a more radical stance toward the government,” Sheron said in his statement.
“The banner has performed its function as a symbol. The main thing is the amplification of this movement. The banner could be burned or taken down, but the movement’s spirit is the main point,” he concluded.
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[Gambas:Video CNN]