UGM Urges Protection for Students After Yogyakarta Protest Turns Violent

Six students received medical treatment at Panti Rapih Hospital after a demonstration near Gramedia Junction in Yogyakarta escalated into an argument when a group of residents approached the protesters. Five of the students attend Universitas Gadjah Mada, while one attends Yogyakarta State University.

UGM Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service and Alumni, Arie Sujito, criticized the violence and urged authorities not to place students who are voicing their concerns in confrontation with community groups. Speaking to reporters at UGM’s Central Building on Wednesday, he said students had taken to the streets to express ideas and concerns about conditions in society and the national situation.

“Do not pit these students against community groups. I believe we have idealism and commitment, and students are voicing their thoughts and aspirations,” Arie said. He described students’ public expression as part of democratic practice and said violence could not be justified while they exercised their right to speak.

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Do not pit these students against community groups. I believe we have idealism and commitment, and students are voicing their thoughts and aspirations.

“Nothing can justify violence. In the name of humanity, in the name of democracy, and in the name of the institution, violence has no place,” he said. Arie called on police to protect both students and residents at protest locations, warning that crowded conditions should not lead to violence or what he called political thuggery.

He said the government should respond to the current economic and political crisis by improving policy. When students voice their concerns, he said, they should be heard, and criticism should not be met with intimidation or physical attacks.

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Nothing can justify violence. In the name of humanity, in the name of democracy, and in the name of the institution, violence has no place.