Academics condemn alleged repressive actions against Surabaya protesters

A coalition of 64 Indonesian academics, activists, and intellectuals from various universities and institutions have declared their full support for student movements facing alleged repression and forceful actions by authorities. Their statement was released Saturday, following a series of violent incidents targeting student protests.

These incidents include the forced dispersal and mass arrests during a demonstration at the Grahadi State Building in Surabaya on Friday. The signatories represent a diverse range of fields, including economics, public policy, law, human rights, and social sciences. Prominent figures like economists Anthony Budiawan and Bhima Yudhistira Adhinegara, and human rights lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis, are among those who have backed the students.

The academics highlighted the crucial role students have historically played in Indonesia's struggle for change. "Student movements are an inseparable part of the history of this nation's struggle. From time to time, students have proven themselves as agents of change who dare to voice truth and justice," the statement read.

They further asserted that the current situation places student voices as an essential hope that cannot be silenced, especially given the numerous critical issues they believe are being overlooked. These concerns include economic inequality, environmental degradation, and other pressing national matters that the student protests aim to address.

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Student movements are an inseparable part of the history of this nation's struggle. From time to time, students have proven themselves as agents of change who dare to voice truth and justice.