Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)’s area appeared quiet following the implementation of online classes from Sep. 1 to 4. The policy was issued in an official circular signed by UGM Vice Rector for Education and Teaching, Professor Wening Udasmoro, on Aug. 31 to maintain campus conduciveness amid the escalation of nationwide demonstrations in recent days.
On the first and second days of the policy’s implementation, UGM’s Central Library was noticeably empty. Gundul, one of the K5L security officers on duty, said the condition was unusual.
“Students are not coming to campus because they are following the circular,” he explained on Tuesday (Sep. 2).
If there were any students present, he noted, they were usually final-year students with urgent needs, such as accessing theses or dissertations.
A similar quiet atmosphere was also seen at the parking areas near the Lembah Canteen Area and the north side of the Campus Mosque. These areas, typically crowded with students’ and visitors’ motorbikes, now had fewer than 100 motorbikes parked.
The situation was also influenced by the closure of UGM’s main Boulevard Gate and the Notonagoro Gate, which normally serve as the main access points to the area.
Clarisa Tyuardani, a student from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM), expressed regret over the situation. However, she acknowledged the policy was necessary to ensure student safety and security.
She mentioned she was in discussion with campus authorities about rescheduling a Thanksgiving Mass that was originally planned to be held at Grha Sabha Pramana on Sep. 4. She hoped the demonstrations would not harm others or the broader public.
“We hope the situation will return to normal, on-site classes can resume, and various events can be held again,” Tyuardani said.
In a separate location, Rendy, a student from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB UGM), voiced a similar opinion. He hoped the current issues could be resolved soon so that learning activities could return to normal in classrooms. While acknowledging that online learning is less effective, he considered the policy appropriate.
“This is necessary given the widespread demonstrations and the designation of several areas around campus as red zones,” he stated.
UGM Spokesperson, Dr. I Made Andi Arsana, explained that the online learning policy was adopted as the university’s response to the recent social and political developments in Indonesia.
“To safeguard the safety of our academic community and the public, UGM has taken this measure,” he said in a UGM press release.
Dr. Arsana also reminded students to remain cautious and attentive to the evolving situation in their respective environments.
Author: Aldi Firmansyah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya Arifadi