UI student who defaced a policewoman's uniform during a protest will undergo campus guidance

DEPOK, KOMPAS.com — A University of Indonesia (UI) student identified by initials MRM will undergo campus guidance after a video went viral on social media showing him defacing a policewoman’s uniform during a demonstration in front of the Indonesian National Police Headquarters (Mabes Polri) in South Jakarta on Friday, 27 February 2026.

The decision was taken after UI conducted an investigation and clarification regarding the incident involving the student.

UI’s Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Affairs, Erwin Panigoro, said the campus is handling the case with a focus on guidance based on the facts that occurred.

Panigoro explained that UI followed up on the video circulating on social media showing MRM’s involvement in the demonstration. After the investigation, the campus confirmed MRM’s actions and asked for clarification from him.

In his statement to the campus, MRM admitted his actions and expressed regret. He also acknowledged that defacing the policewoman’s uniform with initials T was not aligned with the ethical values and the mutual respect upheld by UI.

‘This incident is an important lesson for me to be more prudent in my conduct and in expressing opinions in public spaces,’ MRM said.

‘I offer sincere remorse and am committed to following the guidance process set by the University of Indonesia with full responsibility,’ MRM added.

The first incident involved a Jakarta State Polytechnic (PNJ) student with initials SB who shouted at and pointed at police officers during the protest.

Separately, the other incident was MRM’s act of defacing the attire worn by a policewoman.

Metro Jaya Police public relations head Kombes Budi Hermanto also confirmed the incident and lamented the actions of some participants.

‘Even though during the event we saw some students insulting members of the Police, and even writing on the policewoman’s scarf with inappropriate words,’ Budi said when reached separately.