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Unair retracts student body suspension
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Airlangga University’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Political Science (FISIP) dean (left, in white shirt) and student executive body (BEM) of FISIP president Tuffahati Ullayyah (center) speak to reporters in Surabaya, East Java, on Oct. 28, 2024. (Kompas/Ambrosius Harto Manumoyoso)
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irlangga University’s (Unair) Faculty of Social Sciences and Political Science (FISIP) has revoked the suspension of its student executive body (BEM) for criticizing President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
Following a meeting on Monday between the dean’s office and the BEM FISIP members, the faculty dean Bagong Suyanto said his office had revoked the suspension of the student body’s president Tuffahati Ullayyah, vice president BEM Gavin Nayottama and political and strategic studies minister Rizaldi Mahendra.
“[The student body] has the right to express their aspirations. But as dean, I need to make sure they do not undermine the dignity of education,” Bagong said as quoted by kompas.id.
Tuffahati said the incident would not weaken the students’ critical spirit. “While staying within the academic corridor, we will continue to be critical,” she said.
Previously, Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Satryo Brodjonegoro has asked Unair to revoke the suspension saying that the students' criticism fell within the bounds of freedom of expression.
"I informed the rector of Unair last night to cancel the suspension of BEM FISIP Unair, and he expressed his readiness to do so," Satryo said in Jakarta on Monday.
Satryo emphasized that his ministry continued to respect the autonomy of higher education institutions. However, he stressed that freedom of expression was part of academic freedom, and must also be upheld by universities.
