Makassar University Student Body Denies Joining Anti-Reform Declaration

The student executive body of Makassar State University (BEM UNM) has refuted claims that it participated in a declaration opposing a "Reformasi Jilid II," or a second wave of reform.

Nur Intan Maharani Ilyas, the acting president of BEM UNM, clarified that while some members attended a discussion on current national issues at a cafe in Makassar, the organization did not officially endorse or issue any statement rejecting the reform movement. "We emphasize that BEM UNM remains consistent in its struggle. Suddenly, our name was included in a statement we never made," Ilyas told CNNIndonesia.com on Thursday.

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We emphasize that BEM UNM remains consistent in its struggle. Suddenly, our name was included in a statement we never made.

Ilyas explained that the meeting was an invitation from BEM Unismuh for a discussion on national concerns and to strengthen inter-campus ties for future collective action. "It never reached that point. We from BEM across campuses in Makassar attended an invitation from our friends at BEM Unismuh as a moment to discuss current national issues, as well as to strengthen ties between campuses, so that future movements can be more massive," she said.

BEM UNM reiterated its commitment to monitoring national issues, including the free nutritious meal program and the Police Law. The organization plans to continue fostering broader collective participation for long-term movements, including for "Reformasi Jilid II." Previously, BEM UNM held a protest in front of the UNM campus to highlight the nation's critical condition and to prepare for future actions with larger crowds.

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It never reached that point. We from BEM across campuses in Makassar attended an invitation from our friends at BEM Unismuh as a moment to discuss current national issues, as well as to strengthen ties between campuses, so that future movements can be more massive.