UGM Professor Criticizes Jokowi, Delivers Laboratory Petition Urges His Return To Democracy Corridor

Professor Of The Faculty Of Psychology UGM, Koentjoro (ANTARA)

YOGYAKARTA - A number of professors and academic community at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) express criticism of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), considering that he has taken actions that are considered to deviate from democratic principles.

In the "Petisi Bulaksumur" read at Balairung UGM, they expressed concern over ethical violations at the Constitutional Court (MK), the involvement of law enforcement officers in the democratic process, and the President's contradictory statement.

Professor of the Faculty of Psychology UGM, Koentjoro, read out the petition, stating that the UGM academic community regretted actions deemed deviant in the Jokowi administration.

They considered that the President, as an alumni of UGM, should prioritize Pancasila's values and strengthen democratization.

"President Joko Widodo's statement regarding the involvement of public officials in political campaigns between neutrality and partiality is a form of deviation and indifference to democratic principles," said Koentjoro reading the Bulkasumur petition at Balairung UGM, Sleman, DIY, Wednesday, January 31.

The academics reminded Jokowi to always remember his promise as an alumni of UGM which read, "For us, I promise alma maters to be loyal. I fulfill dharma bhakti' to Mrs. Pertiwi. In the unity of the soul of all my nation. Kujunjung your culture is the glory of the archipelago."

However, they considered Jokowi's actions to show a form of deviation in the principles and morals of democracy, people, and social justice which is the essence of Pancasila's values.

Through this petition, they urged law enforcement officials and state officials, including the President, to return to the corridors of democracy and prioritize people's values and social justice.

"In the end, we also urge the DPR and the MPR to take concrete steps and steps in responding to various political turmoil at the electoral democratic party which is a manifestation of Pancasila democracy," added Koentjoro. This is expected to ensure the upholding of people's sovereignty with good quality and dignity.