Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has issued a moral call to the nation amid the escalating wave of mass protests in various regions. The statement was directly delivered by UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia at the UGM Balairung on Sunday, August 31, 2025, as a form of concern from the academic community over the worsening condition of the nation. The call comes at a time when the socio-political situation is increasingly fragile, with the potential to trigger conflict and exacerbate public suffering.
“We express our deepest condolences for the loss of lives and injuries sustained during the series of mass protests, and urge all parties to end acts of violence and anarchy in order to uphold humanity and dignity,” said the rector.
Rector Emilia emphasized that the university fully supports peaceful and nonviolent movements carried out by society in voicing their demands for reform.
She asserted that violence will only prolong social wounds, while peaceful approaches can open up space for more constructive dialogue.
According to her, such demands must be answered with policies that directly address the needs of the people.
“UGM supports peaceful movements by society to encourage the government to implement comprehensive reforms, particularly in law enforcement, economic recovery, and improving public welfare,” she explained.
In this moral statement, UGM also reminded the government and the House of Representatives (DPR) to evaluate and revoke policies that are deemed unjust, widen social inequality, threaten democracy, and serve only the interests of political elites or oligarchs.
According to her, such policies pose a serious threat to the nation’s future, built on justice and democracy.
“UGM reminds the Government and DPR to revoke policies that are unjust and undermine the sustainability of democracy,” she stated.
To students, particularly those at UGM, the call also carries an appeal to continue playing an active role in safeguarding the nation’s condition in constructive ways.
The rector underlined that students, as agents of change, bear a moral responsibility to advocate for justice while also ensuring their own safety.
“UGM encourages students to show concern for the nation’s situation constructively and with caution in every action,” she added.
The rector concluded the moral call with a message to law enforcement agencies to be more responsive and accountable in taking strategic measures.
She stressed the importance of the state’s role in diffusing the rising social tensions.
A swift, fair, and humane response, she noted, is crucial to prevent further casualties.
“We urge state administrators and authorities to carefully listen to public aspirations so that further casualties can be avoided and public order and security restored,” she emphasized.
Following the rector’s statement, UGM Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, emphasized that change can only be achieved through peaceful means, not violence, which only worsens people’s suffering.
Vice-Rector Sujito warned that violence could create a vicious cycle that is difficult to stop if left unchecked.
He emphasized that peace is the most rational choice in safeguarding democracy.
“Large-scale demonstrations must not fall into violence, because violence will only result in victims, which often harms the people,” he said.
Furthermore, Vice-Rector Sujito argued that the government cannot remain passive in the face of the current situation.
According to him, repressive measures that have emerged so far only escalate tensions and deepen distrust.
He stressed that the state must provide real solutions, not mere rhetoric.
Additionally, he highlighted that genuinely listening to the people’s aspirations is a form of state responsibility.
“The government must immediately respond with concrete steps, at the very least by reducing repressive actions, because they endanger the people,” he explained.
Vice-Rector Sujito also drew attention to the accumulation of economic problems, unemployment, and controversial budget policies as factors driving the escalation of protests.
He explained that these structural issues have long burdened society, now erupting in large demonstrations.
The government, he stated, must be bold enough to reform policies in order to rebuild public trust. He reaffirmed that critical voices from the people must be seen as input, not threats.
“Let us end violence, but critical voices and actions must continue to be expressed so that the government takes immediate corrective steps,” Vice-Rector Sujito concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Firsto Adi