Campuses Must Remain Safe Spaces for Students

PARLEMENTARIA, Jakarta – Deputy Chair of Commission X of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia MY Esti Wijayati firmly rejected all forms of violence in handling demonstrations. Responding to clashes between security forces and demonstrators in Yogyakarta several days ago, Esti urged the police to prioritize a humane and persuasive approach while upholding the law and human rights (HAM).

“We strongly reject all forms of violence, including in the handling of demonstrations. Security forces should prioritize humane and persuasive measures,” Esti told Parlementaria on Friday (13/11/2026).

As is known, a student demonstration joined by several civil society groups in Yogyakarta on Heroes' Day, November 10, was marred by unrest that night. Clashes broke out when some demonstrators remained at the site and confronted security forces.

During the incident, security forces used tear gas and water cannons, while demonstrators threw stones and fireworks at officers. Several videos of the unrest circulated on social media, including one showing the situation around the Gadjah Mada University (UGM) roundabout.

Esti stressed that handling demonstrations must not disregard the principles of law and human rights. In her view, the expression of aspirations in a democracy must be respected and protected, including when developments unfold on the ground.

“The response to demonstrations must prioritize a humane approach, not repression. There must also be respect for the law and human rights in responding to the developments surrounding the expression of aspirations in Yogyakarta,” she said.

In connection with the incident, 157 people were detained on suspicion of involvement in the unrest and damage to several public facilities. UGM said that eight of its students were among those detained by police.

The Yogyakarta Special Region Police (Polda DIY) later said they had released 154 people, including 22 minors. Three others remain in detention: two after testing positive for drugs, and one named as a suspect for carrying dangerous items. One of the two people who tested positive for drugs is a student.

In response, Esti called on Polda DIY to enforce the law transparently and professionally. She emphasized the importance of providing legal assistance to those still detained, as well as allowing universities access to learn about their students' condition and provide them with support.

“Those who remain detained must continue to receive legal assistance. Law enforcement officials also need to give universities access to their detained students,” Esti explained.

Esti also called on the National Police to transparently investigate reports of alleged involvement by an unidentified group of people distinct from the demonstrators who took part in the peaceful protest from morning until afternoon.

“We also call on the National Police to be transparent about these unidentified people who acted violently, including whether they may have arrived and caused unrest after the demonstration to express aspirations, with specific aims,” she said.

Calls for Investigation into Alleged Arbitrary Arrests

Esti also drew attention to reports by the Yogyakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Yogyakarta) regarding the handling of unrest after the demonstration. She called for allegations of random and sporadic arrests to be investigated by cross-checking accounts from students and witnesses against video footage of the incidents.

“Reports of random and sporadic arrests need to be investigated by cross-checking accounts from students and witnesses against video footage of the incidents,” said the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan/PDIP) politician.

According to complaint data from LBH Yogyakarta, a number of demonstrators were allegedly arrested arbitrarily and at random, and there were also allegations of violence by security forces. LBH Yogyakarta has also received dozens of reports of residents and demonstrators being arrested or injured and requiring emergency medical treatment at nearby hospitals.

In addition, more than a dozen people were reported missing after the unrest spread from the Yogyakarta Regional House of Representatives building to the northern part of the city.

Esti said the police must be able to distinguish perpetrators of violence from demonstrators peacefully expressing their views, passersby, and members of the public who were merely watching the incident.

“The clashes between security forces and demonstrators took place in open areas and at several strategic locations, so it is very possible that members of the public, including students, were at or trapped in the areas where the unrest occurred,” said the legislator from the Yogyakarta Special Region.

She also called on the police to explain allegations that demonstrators were assaulted during the response to the protest. Esti stressed that the authorities have an obligation to ensure that every injured demonstrator receives medical attention.

“We also deeply regret the arrests of dozens of minors, even though according to current information they have been released. That action violates child protection,” she said.

Raises Concerns Over Tear Gas Use Near UGM Campus

Esti went on to ask the police to explain reports that tear gas was used at the entrance to the UGM campus while the unrest was being handled. The matter is concerning because a hospital emergency room is located in front of the UGM roundabout.

UGM had earlier condemned the deployment of large numbers of security personnel at strategic campus entrances, saying it amounted to intimidation. The police, meanwhile, said tear gas was fired east of the UGM roundabout, not into the campus, because officers were under pressure and unidentified people were committing acts of vandalism.

“The conflicting accounts of where the action took place need to be resolved through verification with the university. The explanation must cover the reasons for the deployment, the security requirements, and the impact on the safety of the university community,” Esti said.

In her view, the deployment of security forces around a campus must be justifiable in terms of both necessity and the scale of the security operation.

“Students, lecturers, and education staff must continue to have a safe space to study, work, and express their views. The safety of students and the university community, as well as educational activities, must be protected,” she continued.

Esti also backed UGM's efforts to find out what had happened to students affected by the incident, including those who had temporarily lost contact with others or were suspected of being detained by security forces.

“I fully agree with and support Gadjah Mada University (UGM)'s position that campuses must always be safe spaces for freedom of thought, expression, association, and the pursuit of knowledge,” Esti said.

She also supported the possibility of UGM forming an independent joint fact-finding team to investigate the unrest surrounding the demonstration in Yogyakarta, including determining whether security forces entered the campus during the incident.

“A fact-finding team could establish whether there were procedural errors in handling and securing the demonstration,” she said.

Esti stressed the importance of protecting students' rights and freedom of expression as part of democratic life.

“It is important to remember that freedom of expression is a citizen's right that must be respected and protected. Students need to feel safe thinking critically and expressing their views,” Esti added.

Calls for Support and Recovery for Students

Esti said she would coordinate with relevant parties, including the police, to ensure the safety of affected students and that their rights are upheld.

She also urged the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) to facilitate support between campuses for students needing legal assistance, medical care, or psychological recovery.

“Academic arrangements should be adjusted to students' circumstances so that the support process does not deprive them of the opportunity to learn,” she said.

Concluding her statement, Esti expressed hope that all parties would preserve national unity while upholding democratic values. She emphasized that universities play an important role in safeguarding spaces for freedom of thought and the peaceful expression of aspirations.

“Democracy must make room for aspirations, not violence. And campuses must remain safe places for the nation's future generations,” Esti concluded. (rdn/ssb)