UI Responds to Student Press Outlet SUMA UI's LGBTQ Content

The University of Indonesia (UI) has responded to the controversy arising after the social media account of the Student Activity Unit (UKM) Pers Suara Mahasiswa (SUMA) UI posted content related to Pride Month and LGBTIQ+ issues.

The university administration emphasised that the post was an editorial view of the student organisation and does not represent the official position of the university.

“Regarding the developing dynamics following the social media posts by the Student Activity Unit (UKM) Suara Mahasiswa (SUMA) UI concerning Pride Month issues, as well as sexual orientation and gender identity, the University of Indonesia emphasises that the content of those posts is purely an editorial view of the student organisation concerned,” stated UI’s Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Affairs, Erwin Agustian Panigoro, on Sunday (14/6).

“The content does not reflect the official stance of the University of Indonesia or the UI academic community as a whole,” he added.

UI emphasised that freedom of expression and opinion is part of academic life that must be respected. However, such freedom must be exercised responsibly, while still observing applicable ethics and norms.

As a higher education institution, UI reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the values of Pancasila, national laws, and the prevailing norms in Indonesia. The campus also maintains that respect for human dignity, integrity, and the creation of a safe and conducive academic environment are primary principles in the implementation of the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi (the Three Pillars of Higher Education).

“In this spirit, 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,” the UI statement read.

UI noted that differing views within society must be managed wisely. Therefore, freedom of expression needs to be balanced with social responsibility to prevent division.

As a follow-up to the ongoing controversy, the university administration is currently conducting an internal review and evaluation of the matter.

In response to the unrest caused within the community regarding the post, UI leadership is currently conducting further internal review and evaluative measures.

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

UI also called upon the entire academic community and the public to maintain a conducive atmosphere and respect differing views to preserve unity.

On the other hand, alumni of the SUMA UI Press also expressed their stance regarding the viral post. Through an official statement posted by the @ilunisumaui account, alumni expressed regret over the content titled “Testing the Principle of Humanity in the Month of Pride” published by SUMA UI on Instagram and X.

“Alumni of the University of Indonesia Student Press (SUMA UI) regret the posts on Instagram and X titled ‘Sila Kemanusiaan di Bulan Kebanggaan’ by Suara Mahasiswa UI. SUMA UI alumni have attempted to provide input to the SUMA UI Editorial Board to consider the social and community context while maintaining editorial independence in their journalistic work,” stated the alumni via their social media account, @ilunisumaui, on Sunday (14/6).

According to the alumni, since its establishment in 1992, SUMA UI has been known as a student press organisation that upholds diversity, maintains a moderate stance, and prioritises non-partisan principles in its journalism. Therefore, they believe the post was inconsistent with the spirit the organisation has long built.

“Alumni of SUMA UI hereby express their objection and regret the post, which is deemed inconsistent with the spirit of a student press organisation to not lean towards any specific group,” the alumni stated firmly.

Furthermore, the alumni also lamented the attitude of the editorial board, which was deemed to have not provided space for discussion or accepted input regarding the controversial post. They believe the controversy has caused unrest among the academic community, alumni, and the wider public, and has the potential to negatively impact UI student movements.

Nevertheless, the alumni emphasised their continued support for freedom of opinion when exercised responsibly, taking into account the ethics and moral values developing in society.

“SUMA UI alumni will continue to seek dialogue with the SUMA UI Editorial Board. We hope this incident does not happen again,” the alumni concluded.

Previously, the SUMA UI post titled “Testing the Principle of Humanity in the Month of Pride” was widely discussed on social media. The content featured an illustration of the Garuda Pancasila silhouette against a rainbow flag and included a narrative regarding Pride Month and issues of discrimination against the LGBTIQ+ community.

Following significant public reaction, the post was subsequently deleted from SUMA UI’s Instagram and X accounts.