UI Student Body Denies Knowing 'BEM Bersatu', Suspects Attempt to Divide Student Movement

The emergence of a student movement calling itself BEM Bersatu has sparked controversy. The previously unheard-of group not only accused former UGM student executive body (BEM) chairman Tiyo Ardianto of having practical political interests, but also questioned students who raised issues about the Free Nutritious Meals programme. The issues brought forward by BEM Bersatu are clearly at odds with those championed by the University of Indonesia’s BEM and other student executive bodies at major universities. Speculation has arisen that the movement, whose formation timeline remains unclear, is merely an attempt to divide the student movement. Several campus organisations whose names were reportedly linked to the group have firmly denied any involvement. BEM FTI UBSI stated that it never attended or sent representatives to any related events and confirmed that no individual named ‘Ahmad’, as cited in reports, belongs to its executive board. The Unpam Campus Student Alliance also rejected any association, noting that BEM Unpam itself is currently inactive. BEM UI Chairman Yatalathof Ma’shum Imawan said he was not acquainted with BEM Bersatu. When asked about the possibility of efforts to split the student movement, he did not provide an immediate answer. The student movement recently returned to the streets on Friday to protest various government policies, including the Free Nutritious Meals programme, and to voice public concerns over the state of the economy.