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

The University of Indonesia (UI) has responded to the controversy that arose after the social media account of the Student Activity Unit (UKM) Pers Suara Mahasiswa (SUMA) UI uploaded a post related to Pride Month and LGBTIQ issues. The campus management stressed that the post was the editorial view of the student organisation and did not represent the university’s official stance. “Regarding the dynamics developing over the social media post by the Student Activity Unit (UKM) Suara Mahasiswa (SUMA) UI concerning Pride Month and issues of sexual orientation and gender identity, the University of Indonesia asserts that the content of the post is purely the editorial view of the student organisation concerned,” read an official statement from UI delivered by the Director of Public Relations, Media, Government and International Affairs, Erwin Agustian Panigoro, quoted on Sunday (14/6). “The content does not reflect the official stance of the University of Indonesia or the entire UI academic community,” he added. UI emphasised that freedom of expression and opinion is part of academic life that must be respected. However, this freedom must also be exercised responsibly, with due regard to prevailing ethics and norms. As a higher education institution, UI affirmed its commitment to upholding the values of Pancasila, statutory regulations, and the norms applicable in Indonesia. The campus also places respect for human dignity, integrity, and the creation of a safe and conducive academic environment as the main principles in implementing the Tri Dharma 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 views. However, every opinion needs to be conveyed politely, not provocatively, and in accordance with academic ethics,” the UI statement read. UI considers that differences of opinion in society must be managed wisely. Therefore, freedom of expression needs to be balanced with social responsibility so as not to cause division. As a follow-up to the developing polemic, the campus management is currently conducting an internal review and evaluation of the matter. Following up on the dynamics and public unease arising from the post, UI leadership is currently undertaking further internal review and evaluation steps. “This process is being carried out together with the 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,” UI stressed. UI also invited the entire academic community and the public to maintain a conducive atmosphere and respect differences of opinion in order to preserve unity. Separately, alumni of Pers Suara Mahasiswa UI also conveyed their stance on the viral post. Through an official statement uploaded by the account @ilunisumaui, the alumni expressed regret over the content titled ‘Menguji Sila Kemanusiaan di Bulan Kebanggaan’ (Testing the Principle of Humanity in Pride Month) published by SUMA UI on Instagram and X. “Alumni of Pers Suara Mahasiswa Universitas Indonesia (SUMA UI) regret the post on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) by Suara Mahasiswa Universitas Indonesia (SUMA UI) titled ‘Sila Kemanusiaan di Bulan Kebanggaan’. SUMA UI alumni have tried to provide input to the SUMA UI Editorial Board to consider the social context while maintaining editorial independence in carrying out its journalistic work,” the SUMA UI alumni statement read, quoted from 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 nonpartisan principles in its journalistic work. Therefore, they assessed that the post was not in line with the spirit the organisation has built over the years. “SUMA UI alumni hereby express their objection and regret over the post, which is deemed inconsistent with the spirit of a student press organisation not to lean towards any particular group,” the SUMA UI Alumni stressed. In addition, the alumni also regretted the attitude of the editorial board, which was considered not to have opened space for discussion and accepted input regarding the controversial post. They assessed that the polemic had caused unease among the academic community, alumni, and the wider public, and had the potential to negatively impact the UI student movement. Nonetheless, the alumni affirmed their continued support for freedom of expression exercised responsibly, taking into account the ethics and moral values prevailing in society. “SUMA UI alumni will continue to open dialogue efforts with the SUMA UI Editorial Board. Hopefully, this incident will not be repeated,” the SUMA UI alumni concluded. Previously, SUMA UI’s post titled ‘Menguji Sila Kemanusiaan di Bulan Kebanggaan’ was widely discussed on social media. The content featured a silhouette illustration of the Garuda Pancasila against a rainbow flag background and contained a narrative about Pride Month and the issue of discrimination against the LGBTIQ+ community. After drawing various public reactions, the post was subsequently removed from SUMA UI’s Instagram and X accounts.