Joint Statement on the Violation of Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy in Indonesia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

We, the undersigned organizations—the Kaukus Indonesia Kebebasan Akademik (KIKA) and the Southeast Asian Coalition Academic Freedom (SEACAF)—stand in firm solidarity to condemn the recent violations of academic freedom and the brutal crackdown on peaceful student protests in Indonesia. The actions of authorities, including the Indonesian Police and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), represent a grave threat to the rule of law and the democratic principles that the nation is founded upon.

We express our profound sorrow for the ten people who died during the demonstrations, including the tragic death of a motorcycle taxi driver which fueled the protests, and strongly condemn the repressive actions of law enforcement officials who violate the citizens’ right to peaceful assembly. The excessive use of force is a serious violation of human rights and the fundamental right to freedom of expression and assembly, both of which are central to a functioning democracy.

We are deeply disturbed by the reports of security forces entering university campuses in the attempts to disperse the protesters. Recent events in Bandung, as documented by multiple news outlets, saw law enforcement forces deploying tear gas and rubber bullets near and on the campuses of the Islamic University of Bandung (UNISBA) and Pasundan University. These assaults caused breathing problems for students and led to at least one student being critically injured. This indiscriminate use of force not only endangers the lives of students but also directly attacks the non-negotiable sanctity of the university as a sanctuary for critical thought, intellectual discourse, and free expression. These actions are not only an assault on the physical safety of students and faculty but also a direct attack on institutional autonomy and academic freedom. Such attacks seek to silence dissent and intimidate the academic community, which has historically played a crucial role in safeguarding democracy and promoting social justice, as evidenced by the student-led Reformasi movement in 1998.

In light of these egregious violations, KIKA and SEACAF announce a joint solidarity action to:

All forms of repressive action by authorities against peaceful protesters be ceased immediately. Law enforcement must act as protectors of the public, not as perpetrators of violence.
The use of tear gas, weapons and other forms of force within university premises be unequivocally condemned as a serious violation of academic freedom and institutional autonomy. Universities must remain free from military and police intervention.
The government uphold its commitment to the rule of law and human rights by ensuring that all violations are transparently and accountably investigated. An independent team, potentially led by the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), must be established to investigate the alleged serious human rights violations and bring those responsible to justice.
The academic community, both within Indonesia and internationally, remain vigilant and united in defending academic freedom as a cornerstone of a just and democratic society.
We believe that campuses must remain a safe space for dissent, debate, and intellectual inquiry without the threat of violence or intimidation. The actions of the authorities threaten to silence the critical voices of students and academics, which are essential for the health of a democratic society.

We stand with the students and academics in Indonesia who are courageously exercising their right to voice their concerns. We urge the international community to monitor the situation closely and to support the efforts of Indonesian civil society to protect academic freedom and human rights.

About KIKA and SEACAF

Kaukus Indonesia Kebebasan Akademik (KIKA): The Indonesian Caucus for Academic Freedom (KIKA) is a national coalition of researchers and students concerned with human rights and fundamental freedoms, particularly those related to academic freedom in Indonesia. Founded in 2017, KIKA advocates for the right of academics and students to express their opinions, assemble, and conduct critical research without fear of repression or intimidation from the state or other powerful entities.

The Southeast Asian Coalition Academic Freedom (SEACAF): A regional organization launched in late 2024, SEACAF’s mission is to strengthen and institutionalize academic freedom protections across Southeast Asia. Hosted at the Institute for Human Rights and Peace Studies at Mahidol University in Thailand, it works with educators, students, researchers, and civil society groups to advocate, monitor, and research issues related to academic freedom in the region.

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