UI Apologizes After The Pro-Israel Academics Law At The Postgraduate Introduction Event
JAKARTA - The University of Indonesia (UI) apologized after inviting Prof. Peter Berkowitz from Themen Institute, Stanford University, at the Introduction of the University Academic System (PSAU) Postgraduate UI.
"With all humility, UI admits it is not being careful and apologizes profusely to all Indonesian people for their mistake in conducting a background check on the person concerned," said UI Director of Public Relations, Media, Government and International Arie Afriansyah when confirmed in Jakarta, Antara, Sunday, August 24.
Arie emphasized that UI had no other purpose in providing opportunities for Berkowitz other than for academic purposes.
The oration, he said, solely aims to provide perspectives from leading institutions in the world in the fields of socio-humanities and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
"The full oration of the figures in the PSAU event can be seen again by all parties through the official UI YouTube channel, where the contents of the oration are purely as expected," said Arie.
He understands the emergence of public reactions and concerns regarding the speeches conveyed by the guest academic. According to Arie, this event is a valuable lesson for UI to be more selective and sensitive in considering various aspects when inviting international academics in the future.
Arie emphasized that UI remains consistent in its attitude in line with the Indonesian constitution, the 1945 Constitution, which emphasizes that colonialism in the world must be abolished. UI, he said, remained at the forefront of supporting the Palestinian people's struggle against Israeli occupation.
"UI expresses its gratitude for constructive criticism and input as part of freedom of expression," said Arie.
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It is known that Berkowitz is a celebrity figure who actively voiced his support for Israel and wrote many articles that were considered to support genocide in Palestine. Berkowitz's presence sparked reactions from netizens who questioned why UI was not more careful in checking invited guest backgrounds.