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

The Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Relations at the University of Indonesia, Erwin Agustian Panigoro, stated that the social media post by the Student Activity Unit (UKM) Suara Mahasiswa, or Suma UI, regarding Pride Month, sexual orientation, and gender identity, does not represent the university’s stance.

Erwin emphasised that the content of the post was purely an editorial view from the student organisation in question. “That content does not reflect the official position of the University of Indonesia or the UI academic community as a whole,” Erwin said on Saturday, 13 June 2026.

According to Erwin, 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 strictly to the values of Pancasila, national laws, and the prevailing norms in Indonesia.

“UI upholds integrity, respect for human dignity, and constantly strives to create a safe, orderly, and conducive academic environment,” explained Erwin. “These values serve as the absolute foundation for UI in carrying out the Tri Dharma of Higher Education.”

In this spirit, Erwin noted that UI views the campus as a space for dialogue and the development of knowledge 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 differing views do not trigger polarisation or division within society,” he asserted.

Erwin revealed that the UI leadership is currently following up on the dynamics and concerns arising within the community regarding the post, and is conducting internal reviews and further evaluation steps.

“This process is being carried out alongside relevant campus authorities to ensure that all student activities remain in line with the Code of Ethics and the UI Student Code of Conduct, and are guided by the corridor of responsible academic freedom,” he stated.

To that end, Erwin added that 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 delivery of constructive aspirations and respect for the noble values that form the basis of social, national, and state life,” Erwin concluded.

It is known that in its Pride Month post, SUMA UI highlighted the discrimination and persecution experienced by parts 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 the values of Pancasila, specifically the second principle: Just and Civilised Humanity.