UGM Plans Legal Action After Five Students Injured at Protest

Universitas Gadjah Mada is preparing legal action over alleged violence against five of its students during a demonstration at Simpang Gramedia on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman in Yogyakarta. A student from Yogyakarta State University was also reportedly injured.

UGM Vice Rector Arie Sudjito said the university and students were considering an advocacy process involving several parties. He said anyone responsible for violence must be held accountable and warned that failing to act could allow violence at demonstrations to become a repeated pattern.

“I’m worried this will become a model. If this violence is allowed, it could threaten anyone. That is why there is no tolerance for acts of violence,” Arie said.

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I’m worried this will become a model. If this violence is allowed, it could threaten anyone. That is why there is no tolerance for acts of violence.

He said violence could not be justified under any circumstances, particularly when students were exercising their right to express their views. “Whatever the reason, there must be no violence. In the name of humanity, democracy and the institution, violence cannot be justified,” he said.

Arie urged police to protect students and the public in crowded protest situations and to prevent violence or political thuggery. He also said authorities should listen when students express their aspirations because doing so reflects a critical civic attitude.

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Whatever the reason, there must be no violence. In the name of humanity, democracy and the institution, violence cannot be justified.