Student Organizations Deny Affiliation with 'BEM Bersatu' Amidst Political Accusations

A new student organization calling itself BEM Bersatu has emerged, making accusations against Tiyo Ardianto, the former chairman of the Student Executive Board (BEM) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM).

BEM Bersatu alleged that Ardianto has connections to a specific political party. They pointed to a car allegedly used by Ardianto, which they claimed was registered to Siti Nuraini, the sister-in-law of retired Lieutenant General Setyo Sularso. Sularso is reportedly connected to General Andhika Perkasa, a member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) and part of the campaign team for presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo in the 2024 election.

The PDIP has denied any involvement in the criticisms voiced by Ardianto, particularly concerning the "Free Nutritious Meal" project. Ardianto himself has chosen not to respond to personal accusations. Meanwhile, BEM Bersatu consists of individuals who identify as students and representatives of various university student organizations. These include figures from BEM faculties at Unisia, UIJ, Universitas Nasional, Institut Al-Aqidah, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Universitas Pamulang, UIC, Unindra, and Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika.

However, numerous student organizations whose names were allegedly used by BEM Bersatu have issued statements denying any affiliation. For instance, BEM Fakultas Teknik dan Informatika Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika clarified they sent no representatives and held no press conference with BEM Bersatu. They stated they have no chairman or member named Ahmad, as claimed by BEM Bersatu. Similarly, BEM Fakultas Psikologi Universitas Negeri Jakarta refuted the claim of Ahmad Ghazy representing them, identifying him as an alumnus from 2020, not a current member. They emphasized that any views expressed were his personal responsibility and that their organization's identity had been misused, violating ethical standards.