Yusril: Student Criticism of Government Must Be Based on Integrity
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has requested that students maintain their integrity when expressing criticism towards the government.
According to Yusril, the freedom to express opinions and criticism is a vital component of democratic life that must be protected.
“I support the freedom of students to speak out and convey criticism. However, that criticism must be based on strong integrity so that it truly aims to build the nation,” Yuslar stated during a press conference at the Indonesian Ombudsman Office, South Jakarta, on Tuesday.
As a former student activist, Yusril expressed concern regarding the admission by students from Bung Karno University (UBK) that they received money after meeting Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
Nevertheless, he appreciated the students’ decision to admit their mistake and issue a public apology.
Yusril believes that integrity is an essential asset for students who will eventually become leaders and public officials.
He noted that the integrity built during student years must be preserved so that when holding public office, individuals remain committed to the principles of truth and are not easily influenced by specific interests.
“We advise our younger students to maintain their integrity and ensure that their struggle remains pure,” he said.
He added that students who are currently active in criticising the government could become the officials replacing the current generation of leaders in the future.
Previously, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka received representatives of students who had held demonstrations at various locations in Jakarta and engaged in a dialogue with them at the Vice Presidential Palace on Monday (22/6).
Recently, the Protest Coordinator and Chairman of the UBK Faculty of Law Student Executive Board (BEM), M. Abdi Maludin, admitted to receiving Rp20 million following the meeting and issued a public apology.