BEM UI Called By The Rector Because Of Jokowi, PAN: Campus Is A Room For Ideas, Not Punishment

President Joko Widodo (Photo: RI Cabinet Secretariat)

JAKARTA - The National Mandate Party (PAN) defended the actions of students who were members of the University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI). After they were summoned by the rectorate for posting a meme that reads President Jokowi as The King of Lip Service, aka the king of bragging on social media.

According to Wasekjen DPP PAN Farazandi Fidinansyah, what BEM UI did should be interpreted as criticism and input for improvement. Not actually sentenced.

“PAN defends the right to freedom of expression as the essence of democracy and the mandate of reform. Campuses should be a space for debating ideas, not for every criticism, instead it will be silenced with punishment,” said Farazandi in Jakarta, Monday, June 28.

The member of the DKI Jakarta Provincial DPRD explained that if there are parties who do not agree with the method or content of the BEM UI statement, it should be submitted in a room where ideas and ideas are debated.

"I think it's excessive if students have to be called by the campus and they say they are given coaching. In fact, space for dialogue should be opened and those who disagree can present their arguments. This is the essence of democracy and responsible freedom of expression," he said.

Farazandi, who was once a lecturer at Prasetiya Mulya University, hopes that students will continue to express their opinions and suggestions for improving the policies issued by the government.

It is known that the University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI) was a trending topic on Twitter after posting a satirical meme of President Jokowi. In the meme uploaded by its official account @BEMUI_Official, BEM UI dubbed President Jokowi as The King of Lip Service aka the king of bragging.

The meme highlights the paradox of Jokowi's statements and attitudes during his tenure so far. The 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia is considered to have often sold out sweet promises, but they are not in line with reality. Starting from longing for demonstrations, revising the ITE Law, strengthening the KPK, and a series of other promises.

Instead of getting support, BEM UI was called by the rectorate. The administrators were asked for information and explanations about the memes uploaded on social media.

Unlike PAN, the Gerindra Party does not agree with the name Jokowi Lips Service.

"I do not agree with their statement. Pak Jokowi is working hard to carry out his main duties and functions," said Deputy Chairperson of the Gerindra Party, Habiburokhman, Monday, June 28.

Although the performance results have not been maximized, the member of Commission III of the DPR assessed that it was heavily influenced by external factors. For example, regarding economic achievements that have not been good due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"In terms of the economy, for example, we know that in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many targets have missed," he said.