YOGYAKARTA- Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. Dr. Pratikno, M.Soc.Sc, emphasized UGM’s commitment to provide and maintain the academic pulpit freedom in the campus. According to Pratikno, as an academic neutral area (zone), UGM is ready to provide the forum for dialogue on strategic issues that could be beneficial to the progress of the nation.
"As an academic neutral zone, UGM is ready to become the place for dialogue on strategic issues, sharing knowledge, perspectives and proposals that are beneficial to the progress of the nation," Pratikno said, Tuesday (10/7). His statement is related to an incident occuring at a seminar, Towards Papua’s Prosperity and Juctice After 43 Years of Pepera 1969 at UC UGM, Monday (9/7).
Pratikno added that an academic freedom requires the maturity of all parties, not only from state institutions and society but also campus society. Academic freedom, in Rector’s opinion, requires the willingness, ability and tradition in delivering ideas and criticism argumentatively.
"Maturity in maintaining academic freedom should start from ourselves. It is certainly inappropriate if in maintaining such academic freedom, we have to bring police or army in a discussion," Pratikno explained.
Related to the seminar, the Rector admitted that previously the committee had given notice and asked for permission for the implementation of the seminar. The committee also had asked the Rector to open the event, but he was unable to attend.
Meanwhile, the PIC of event from Lingkar Pelangi Nusantara (LPN) group, Sugiyarto, said that they have cooperated with various parties such as Papuan students, the university, as well as some Papuan leaders.
"It's been a long time since we focused on the issue of pluralism and equality, including those related to Papua," he said.
An incident occurred at the Seminar entitled Towards Papua’s Prosperity and Juctice After 43 Years of Pepera 1969 at UC UGM, Monday (9/7). The event presenting the speakers from UGM only lasted until the first session. After reaching agreement with the participants, the committee of Lingkar Pelangi Nusantara (LPN) eventually stopped the seminar because the climate was not conducive.