After the call and sharp criticism of the campus, a video of the Chancellor's appreciation was published...
A number of university rectors in Central Java made videos expressing appreciation for President Jokowi. Pros and cons emerge.
This article has been translated using AI. See Original .
The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Habis Seruan dan Kritik Tajam Kampus, Terbitlah Video Apresiasi Rektor...
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Academics from Gadjah Mada University conveyed the Bulaksumur Petition at Balairung UGM, Yogyakarta, on Wednesday (31/1/2024). The petition contained a deep concern over the actions of certain government officials who deviated from the principles of moral democracy, people's sovereignty, and social justice.
The narrative battle among the public is heating up ahead of the 2024 elections. After the calls and criticism from various campuses that flowed from various regions regarding the political, ethical and democratization conditions in the country, it now seems as if a rival narrative has emerged from campuses which has a tone of praise and ”reconcile”.
The situation is portrayed in Central Java, one of the regions with contested voting districts in Java. Following reminders from academic communities at various campuses to the government on democratic and ethical values, a video statement by several university rectors in Central Java has circulated, expressing their appreciation for President Joko Widodo and urging all parties to ensure that the elections take place peacefully.
Controversy arose after it was revealed that certain parties had requested a rector to create a video. One of the rectors who participated in creating the video was Masrukhi, the rector of Muhammadiyah University Semarang (Unimus). In the video, Masrukhi stated that the elections are a constitutional mandate and the people are asked to uphold its dignity. All parts of society are also asked to safeguard the elections to the best of their ability in accordance with existing regulations.
"Of course, differences in choices are normal. What is important is that we maintain unity and togetherness as citizens and the nation of Indonesia, so that this nation remains intact, united, and solid in pursuing its glory," he said in the video.
Screenshot of a statement made by the Rector of Muhammadiyah University of Semarang (Unimus), Masrukhi.
When interviewed by Kompas, Masrukhi said he made the video on Saturday (3/2/2024) in Jakarta. The video was made after he was contacted by someone from the police.
"I am used to working with the police. There is a close relationship between the police, the military, universities, community organizations, religious organizations, and it has to be that way. Together, we create a conducive situation, including during the upcoming general election on February 14, 2024. So, I also made a testimony video that contains an appeal," said Masrukhi when contacted on Tuesday (6/2/2024) afternoon. "
Also read: Chancellors of a Number of Universities in Central Java Make Presidential Appreciation Videos
Masrukhi also admitted that he was not forced to make the video. "(There is no obligation), if I can make a video to encourage the public to maintain peaceful and comfortable elections, that's the point. That differences in choice are natural, but do not let it damage national unity," he added.
Apart from Masrukhi's video, Kompas also obtained several videos containing statements from university rectors in Central Java. One of them contains a statement from the Chancellor of Diponegoro University (Undip), Semarang, Yos Johan Utama.
Screenshot of statement by Yos Johan Utama, the Rector of Diponegoro University (Undip), Semarang.
In the video, Yos stated that every person has a constitutional right to express their opinion in public. However, he also reminded that the right to express an opinion must be accompanied by responsibility.
"Therefore, feel free to exercise those rights, but do not force others. Others have different thoughts as well," said Yos in the video.
Also read: The Scholar's Whistle Reminds the Ruler
In addition, Yos also urges everyone to act respectfully and appreciate the choices of others. He also invites all parties to fulfill the 2024 Election as a peaceful democratic celebration.
"We encourage everyone to use the democratic event in a respectful and just manner, following the established regulations and respecting others' choices. Let's make the 2024 democratic event a peaceful festival," said Yos.
Screenshot of the statement made by the rector of Darul Ulum Islamic Centre Sudirman GUPPI (Undaris), Hono Sejati.
Appreciation for the President
Another video contains a statement from Hono Sejati, the Rector of Darul Ulum Islamic Centre Sudirman GUPPI (Undaris) University in Semarang Regency. In the video, Hono states that Indonesia needs a leader who is an innovative statesman and able to unite the nation.
According to Hono, the figure is present in President Joko Widodo. "Mr. Jokowi is a statesman who has contributed greatly to Indonesia. Under his leadership, Indonesia has made leaps, progress, and successfully passed through the difficult times of the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.
Hono added that the 2024 Elections are a platform to find the best leader for the nation to continue President Jokowi's leadership. "Indonesian people are not dumb to determine the best future for the nation and country. Indonesian people know well who the best leader is to continue Mr. Joko Widodo's leadership," he said.
He also stated that Indonesia is a democratic country, therefore, everyone has the right to express their opinions in public. However, he also reminded that there should not be any forced opinion towards others.
"Please exercise your right, but do not force others that your opinion is the most correct. The views of a group of people cannot be imposed as the views of the entire Indonesian people. We appeal to maintain a democratic climate, maintain the unity and integrity of the nation and state over the interests of certain groups," said Hono."
Screenshot of a video statement by Akhmad Sodiq, the Rector of Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed), located in Purwokerto.
The Rector of Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed), Purwokerto, Akhmad Sodiq, also conveyed a statement via video. In the beginning of the video, Akhmad expressed his appreciation for the legacy of President Jokowi. Like Hono, Akhmad also referred to President Jokowi as a statesman who had contributed greatly to Indonesia.
Like Hono, Akhmad also stated that under President Jokowi's leadership, Indonesia is able to make progress in various fields, particularly in infrastructure development and maintaining economic stability. And, was able to overcome the difficult period of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Akhmad also believes that President Jokowi has been able to enhance Indonesia's reputation in the international community, including through the G20 forum, the ASEAN chairmanship, as well as becoming a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Thank you President
The Rector of Muhammadiyah University Purwokerto (UMP), Jebul Suroso, also made a statement through a video. In the video uploaded on the UMP Tiktok account, Jebul expressed his gratitude to President Jokowi for agreeing to visit the campus on January 3, 2024.
Jebul also expressed his appreciation to President Jokowi for the legacy he has produced for Indonesia's progress. "The Covid-19 pandemic has been overcome through hard efforts and this is thanks to the President's leadership," said Jebul.
Also read: Muhammadiyah University Purwokerto Builds Campus 2 in Sokaraja
Screenshot of a statement by Jebul Suroso, the Rector of Muhammadiyah University Purwokerto (UMP).
Jebul hopes that through the 2024 elections, the Indonesian people can obtain a leader who will continue President Jokowi's work. He added that everyone has the right to vote according to their own will and conscience.
"Therefore, we instill a sense of mutual respect for our individual choices. And, I also invite the wider community of Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto and all people, let us prioritize positive aspects, good assumptions, and good intentions, while maintaining the harmony of the nation and the beloved Republic of Indonesia." said the speaker.
The Rector of Ma'arif Nahdlatul Ulama University (UMNU) Kebumen, Imam Satibi, also made a statement through a video. According to Imam, elections are something very important that must be guarded and not tarnished.
"For this reason, we must all support this election. How the election organizers can hold the election peacefully, honestly, without intrigue and intimidation that will surely disrupt the democratic process," said Imam.
Screenshot of a statement from the Rector of Ma'arif Nahdlatul Ulama University (UMNU) in Kebumen, Imam Satibi.
Imam also appreciates President Jokowi and the organizers of the election for holding a good and high-quality election. "In my opinion, we must all be careful not to make political statements in the name of universities or specific communities, which are actually part of political narratives," he said.
Kompas has attempted to ask for confirmation regarding the videos from Undip Chancellor Yos Johan Utama, Undaris Chancellor Hono Sejati, Unsoed Chancellor Akhmad Sodiq, UMP Chancellor Jebul Suroso, and UMNU Kebumen Chancellor Imam Satibi. However, Yos, Akhmad and Jebul have not responded when contacted via WhatsApp.
Meanwhile, Hono admitted to making the video in question. He stated that the video contains an appeal regarding democracy and encourages the public to exercise their voting rights.
"I am talking about democracy, inviting people to use their rights in elections. To choose the best leader for Indonesia according to their conscience, while maintaining the unity of all elements, including the academic world," said Hono.
A number of professors at the Bandung Institute of Technology made an Academic Declaration with the theme of Preventing the Decline of Democracy at the Ganesa ITB Culture Hall in Bandung, West Java, on Monday (5/2/2024).
Imam Satibi stated that his video was a form of response to the current situation in the homeland. He acknowledged that there were requests to create the video from several parties, but the video's content was purely from his own thoughts.
"Some have suggested, 'Sir, please make a statement about peaceful elections.' That's all, some parties have mentioned it before. However, in terms of content, there is nothing there. It came purely from my own thoughts. It was not a request to say anything specific," said Imam when contacted on Wednesday."
Reject
On the other hand, the Rector of Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang, Ferdinandus Hindiarto admitted to being asked to create a video that aimed to appreciate President Jokowi's performance by someone claiming to be a police officer. However, Ferdinandus refused this request as it was deemed inappropriate for the university's stance.
"I have decided not to make the requested video because our preferences are not there. I respect that the person is carrying out their duty, but I am also carrying out mine and our preferences stand," said Ferdinandus when contacted on Tuesday (6/2/2024).
Chancellor of Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang, 2021-2025 period, Ferdinandus Hindiarto
According to Ferdinadus, his team along with 26 members of the Association of Catholic Universities in Indonesia (APTKI) have released a statement expressing concern over the state of democracy in Indonesia.
APTKI also emphasizes the importance of election organizers adopting the principles of direct, universal, free, confidential, fair, and honest elections in order to ensure the right of every voter to cast their vote without pressure. Additionally, they also ask state apparatus, such as civil servants, TNI, and Polri to always remain neutral and not take sides with any party.
Ferdinandus expressed his concern over the President's explicit support in the election and stating that it is permissible for the President to campaign. According to him, such an act should not be carried out by a leader who should remain neutral.
I have decided not to make the requested video because our choice is not there.
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Participants of the National Campus Red and White Call statement stood in front of the statue of the Proclamation at the August 17th, 1945 University (Untag), in Surabaya, East Java on Monday (5/2/2024). One of the calls in the statement of positions at Untag is to reject dynastic politics and intimidation.
Semarang City Police Chief Commissioner Irwan Anwar said that his party was communicating with the chancellors in his area, including asking the chancellors to make video testimonials. Irwan called this effort a form of a cooling system or an effort to keep the situation conducive ahead of the election.
According to Irwan, his party did not force or require the chancellors to make video testimonials. "There was no (coercion) at all, we said the video was just media. Before we conducted interviews and (asked for) testimonials, we had conveyed to the figures we were referring to that we would publish the results of the testimonials. "Because our goal is for this figure's message to reach the general public," he said.
Irwan also mentioned that his team does not provide guidance or points on the content of the testimonies delivered by the rectors. Irwan believes that the rectors have good intellect to determine the narrative choices that will be conveyed to the public.
According to Irwan, there are several rectors who are reluctant to provide video testimonials. However, he claimed that more rectors are supportive than those who refuse.
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Police are on guard as the process of removing election logistics in the form of sealed paper takes place at the KPU Warehouse in Ngaliyan, Semarang, Central Java, on Thursday (November 30, 2023).
Head of Public Relations Division of Central Java Police Senior Commissioner Stefanus Satake Bayu Setianto stated that they have never directed anyone, including universities, to endorse a particular candidate pair. He emphasized that the police will remain neutral during the 2024 Elections.
However, Satake admitted that the police had approached community figures, including the chancellor, to help make the 2024 elections a success. This was included in the election cooling system activities, namely efforts to maintain and prevent potential disturbances to security and order. society by involving all components of the nation.
"We have a cooling system activity, one of which is an effort to approach community leaders. The goal is to maintain unity and integrity. "Then, one of the things ahead of this election is that we hope that the implementation can run smoothly and safely," said Satake.
