UI Clarifies Student Media's Pride Month Post Does Not Represent Campus Stance

The Director of Public Relations, Media, Government and International Affairs at the University of Indonesia (UI), Erwin Agustian Panigoro, has stated that a social media post by the Student Activity Unit (UKM) Suara Mahasiswa (SUMA UI) regarding Pride Month, sexual orientation and gender identity does not represent the university’s official stance. Erwin stressed that the content of the post is purely the editorial view of the student organisation concerned. “The content does not reflect the official stance of the University of Indonesia or the entire UI academic community,” Erwin said on Saturday, 13 June 2026. Erwin said UI respects freedom of expression as part of a democratic academic life. “This freedom provides space for students to convey ideas and views critically and responsibly,” he said. As a higher education institution, Erwin continued, UI adheres firmly to the values of Pancasila, statutory regulations, and norms applicable in Indonesia. “UI upholds integrity, respect for human dignity, and continuously strives to create a safe, orderly, and conducive academic environment,” Erwin explained. “These values serve as the absolute foundation for UI in carrying out the Tri Dharma of Higher Education.” In this spirit, Erwin said, UI views the campus as a space for dialogue and scientific development that is open to various perspectives. However, every opinion must be conveyed politely, non-provocatively, and in accordance with academic ethics. “Freedom of expression must always be accompanied by social responsibility so that differences of opinion do not trigger polarisation or division within society,” Erwin asserted. Erwin revealed that UI leadership is currently addressing the dynamics and concerns arising within the community regarding the post, and is even conducting a review and further internal evaluation steps. “This process is being carried out together with relevant campus authorities to ensure that every student activity is always in line with the UI Student Code of Ethics and Disciplinary Regulations, and guided by the corridors of responsible academic freedom,” Erwin disclosed. To that end, Erwin added, UI invites the entire academic community and the wider public to respect one another and maintain unity. “UI believes that a healthy campus climate is built through the constructive delivery of aspirations and respect for the noble values that form the basis of social, national, and state life,” Erwin concluded. It is known that in the Pride Month post, SUMA UI highlighted the discrimination and persecution experienced by some members of the LGBTQ+ community in Indonesia, including within campus environments. According to SUMA UI, an anti-violence stance and respect for human dignity are in line with Pancasila values, particularly the second principle, namely Just and Civilised Humanity.