UNM Makassar Student Body Denies Joining Declaration Against 'Reformasi Jilid II'

The Student Executive Body (BEM) of Universitas Negeri Makassar (UNM) has denied taking part in a declaration rejecting a so-called ‘Reformasi Jilid II’ (Second Wave of Reforms) held at a café in Makassar, South Sulawesi. “We assert that today BEM UNM remains consistent in its stance of struggle. Our name was suddenly included in a statement we never made,” said Acting BEM UNM President Nur Intan Maharani Ilyas to CNNIndonesia.com on Thursday (18/6). Intan explained that she and several other board members had attended a discussion event on current national issues. However, there was no official statement from BEM UNM rejecting the second wave of reforms at that event. “It did not go that far at all. We, the inter-campus BEMs in Makassar City, attended the invitation from BEM Unismuh as an opportunity to discuss current national issues, as well as to strengthen ties between campuses, so that future movements can be more massive,” she revealed. Intan said that to date, BEM UNM remains consistent in monitoring current national issues, including the Free Nutritious Meals programme (MBG) and the Police Law. “We will continue to strive to open wider spaces for collective participation for the needs of long-term movements, including for a second wave of reforms,” she clarified. Intan explained that BEM UNM had held a demonstration regarding the current state of the nation in front of the UNM campus on Jalan AP Pettarani the previous day. “Yesterday’s action was a form of campaign to the public that the country is currently facing a national critical condition, as well as a pre-conditioning action for the next movement. We will hold another similar action by mobilising a larger crowd,” she said.