Muhadjir: Campus Has Academic Mimbar Freedom Conveys Criticism

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy. (ANTARA/HO-Kemenko PMK)

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy said the campus had guarantees to convey criticism, suggestions, and convey dynamics called freedom of academic pulpit.

"I saw that the statements from my colleagues from campus were part of the form of freedom of the academic pulpit, and we really respect that, especially since I am also part of them, right. I was once the Chancellor of 16 years," said Muhadjir as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, February 7.

Muhadjir's statement was in response to the delivery of political dynamics ahead of the general election period (election) by a number of academic community.

The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture said that the freedom of the academic pulpit means that the campus community may submit suggestions, criticize, convey the results of their studies.

However, he said, do not blame if there are other university institutions that also give appreciation to certain parties or institutions.

"So don't just criticize, but if you give wrong appreciation, that's not true. It's the same as being part of the name freedom of the academic pulpit," he said.

Muhadjir also invited the academic community to maintain campus dignity in expressing in the name of freedom of the academic pulpit, not having certain negative tendencies, including provocations.

"Go ahead if you want to criticize, but also don't blame if someone then gives appreciation, yes, I think that's enough," he said.

He also ensured that the criticism and suggestions submitted by the academic community would be followed up by the government.

"Oh, we will definitely pay attention to that, there are various kinds of criticisms, suggestions, appeals, we will definitely pay attention to that, we will definitely follow up," he said.

Meanwhile, regarding the issue of a briefing by the police to the campus to create a positive narrative, this cannot be justified. But he believes the campus will not be directed.

"So it doesn't have to be directed at that. I don't think it's true and I don't think the campus is easy to direction," he said.