Young Intellectuals Network Protests Disbandment of Ministerial Discussion at UGM

The forum of secretary-generals from youth and student organisations united under the Young Intellectuals Network (JCM) has rejected the co-optation of student movements. JCM protested the disbandment of a ministerial discussion within the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) campus.

PB HMI Secretary-General and JCM Founder, Jusrianto, assessed that intimidatory actions against academic activities represent a form of silencing that wounds democracy and academic freedom. He stressed that differences of opinion should be resolved through dialogue, argumentation, and the exchange of ideas, not through persecution or forced disbandment.

“Campuses must remain safe spaces for intellectual dialectics and responsible freedom of thought,” Jusrianto said in a press statement in Jakarta on Thursday (18/6/2026).

Furthermore, JCM firmly rejected any form of intervention and co-optation of student movements by practical political interests. Jusrianto believes students must maintain their independence as a moral force and agent of social control that sides with the people’s interests.

“Therefore, any mobilisation of students directed towards electoral interests or the political agenda of specific groups must be openly rejected,” Jusrianto stated.

Consequently, JCM invites all elements of the nation to maintain national stability, nurture a healthy democracy, and oversee development with a critical, objective, and constructive attitude. This was conveyed by JCM as a joint statement of stance regarding the national condition.

“The national condition is currently facing multidimensional challenges, ranging from global economic pressures, fiscal issues, energy and food security, to the quality of democracy and governance,” Jusrianto remarked.