UI student apologises for scribbling policewoman's headscarf

A number of students demonstrated outside the Police Headquarters (Mabes Polri) some time ago. At the time, police officers wore white head coverings and turbans as part of the security arrangements during Ramadan. The protest was organised by students from Universitas Indonesia (UI), UPN ‘Veteran’ Jakarta and Politeknik Negeri Jakarta (PMJ). The action was a response to the death of a student named AT in Tual, Maluku, who was beaten by Brimob member Bripda MS. However, there was an uncivil incident during the demonstration. In a circulating video, a female student scribbled on the headscarf of a policewoman (polwan) during the protest. The incident prompted a response from Universitas Indonesia (UI). Here is a summary of UI’s explanation and the perspective of the student involved. UI regrets the occurrence of unplanned incidents on the ground. From the video circulating on 28 February 2026, it was found that an individual who was not a UI student wore UI insignia and behaved inappropriately toward the police. In addition, there was the act of scribbling on the clothing worn by the policewoman (polwan) by a student during the action, said UI in its statement on Thursday (5/3/2026). The campus has conducted internal clarifications thoroughly by summoning the involved parties to obtain complete and balanced information. The process is conducted objectively and prioritises a nurturing approach to ensure the facts and to determine the follow-up steps in accordance with the provisions of Universitas Indonesia. Based on the campus clarifications, the student was identified as MRM. MRM acknowledged her fault. The student also expressed her apology. ‘With full awareness, I extend my apologies to T, the policewoman as an officer of the Indonesian National Police who was affected by my actions during the protest. I realise that the act was not appropriate and not in line with ethical values and the attitude of mutual respect that should be upheld by Universitas Indonesia (UI) students,’ said MRM. MRM said the incident provides a learning experience for her. She regrets the action. ‘This incident has been an important learning for me to be wiser in my conduct and to express my opinions in public spaces. I offer sincere remorse and commit to following the guidance process established by Universitas Indonesia with full responsibility,’ added MRM.