University of Indonesia Clarifies Protester Pointing at Police Is Not Its Student

A student was filmed speaking in a raised tone whilst pointing at police officers during a demonstration outside the National Police Headquarters last week. The University of Indonesia (UI) has emphasised that this demonstrator is not one of its students.

UI, through its Student Organisation Office working jointly with the Directorate of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Affairs, immediately conducted an investigation and carried out comprehensive internal verification. This process included coordination across units and confirmation with student bodies at faculty and university levels to ensure the accuracy of information circulating in the public domain.

Erwin Agustian Panigoro, Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Affairs, stated that based on communications and checks conducted with the Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Administrative Sciences at UI, as well as searches in the official Higher Education Data Database (PDDIKTI), it can be confirmed that the individual in the video is not a UI student.

“Following further investigation of the official data recording system, it is known that the individual holds the status of an active student at another institution of higher education and has absolutely no academic affiliation with the University of Indonesia,” said Erwin, as reported by Antara on Monday (2 March 2026).

Erwin stated that as an institution of higher education, UI respects freedom of expression and the democratic rights of all citizens, including students, in conveying aspirations peacefully and responsibly.

However, UI rejects all forms of provocative action or unlawful conduct as these do not reflect the values, ethics, and character of the UI academic community, which upholds integrity, critically responsible reasoning, and respect for law and public order.

UI Objects to Unauthorised Use of Institutional Symbols

During the demonstration held on Friday (27 February), the student in question was alleged to have engaged in provocative conduct against law enforcement officials by cursing and pointing at police officers. UI also expressed objection to the use of institutional attributes or symbols without authorisation and without confirmation. Such actions have the potential to create public misunderstanding and damage the reputation of the institution and unrelated parties.

In this regard, UI urged the public to exercise caution when receiving or disseminating information whose accuracy has not been verified. In the digital era, carefulness in receiving and sharing information is a collective responsibility to prevent disinformation and maintain a healthy and integrity-based public space.

“We provide this clarification to prevent confusion of information that could harm the reputation of the University of Indonesia. UI is committed to continuing to uphold the dignity of the institution and supporting the conveyance of aspirations that are constructive, orderly, and in line with the principles of democracy,” Erwin concluded.