Komnas HAM Asks Unram Chancellor To Explain The Case Of Student Persecution Security Guard

DOC/Building Rectorate of Mataram University on Jalan Majapahit, Mataram, NTB (ANTARA/Dhimas B.P.)

The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) asked the Chancellor of Mataram University (Unram) Bambang Hari Kusumo to explain the actions of a number of security officers suspected of molesting students during a demonstration in front of the rectorate building on June 20, 2023.

Komnas HAM Monitoring and Investigation Commissioner Uli Parulian Sihombing confirmed that his party sent the request by officially writing to the Unram Chancellor on August 2.

"Yes, that's right. We have sent a letter asking the Unram Chancellor for information regarding the alleged violence committed by security officers against students who were holding a demonstration in front of the rectorate building in June 2023," Uli said as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, August 15.

Regarding the existence of the letter, Komnas HAM also gave a period of 15 days since his party sent a letter to the Unram Chancellor to provide information.

"In our mechanism, if there is no response in 15 days, we will send back the second letter," he said.

The purpose of the Unram Chancellor's request for information is to see the facts that occurred from the student action conveying a number of demands for improvement in the well-known campus environment.

Regarding this case, Uli reminded that everyone has the right to express themselves in expressing opinions in public. Moreover, in this action students demanded improvements to the campus, especially the issue of supporting facilities for lectures.

"Students must actually guarantee their freedom of opinion and expression. Of course, the campus must respond to this by prioritizing persuasive actions, peaceful mediation is carried out," he said.

He also hopes that the campus will not be authoritarian in responding to the action of expressing opinions from students by making policies that harm students, such as spreading the threat of "drop out" to students who carry out demonstrations.

"It is better for the campus to pay attention to the rights of these students. Submission of that opinion must be respected. This is for the sake of the continuity of education on campus," he said.

Uli revealed that the issue of the report by the Secretary-General of the Unram Student Executive Board (BEM) is now not only the attention of Komnas HAM.

"The issue of freedom of expression in the campus environment and the alleged violence has also received attention from the Ministry of Research and Technology (Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education)," he said.

Regarding the reports of students who were victims of alleged violence from demonstrations are now included in the handling of police law, Uli emphasized that his party was also observing developments.

"Please, that (police report) is the right of every citizen. We appreciate the ongoing legal process. We are observing it. If there is criminal evidence, please follow up," he said.