TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The wave of protests from Udayana University students over the campus’ military deal with the Military Regional Command (Kodam) IX/Udayana has resulted in an agreement with the rectorate. During the Grand Student Assembly held at the Widya Sabha Auditorium, Jimbaran, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the rectorate conceded to the students’ demand of canceling the deal.
The deal was inked previously on March 5, and announced publicly a few weeks after on March 26. Upon the announcement, the cooperation was met with immediate rejection by the students.
The President of the Udayana University Student Executive Board, I Wayan Arma Surya Darmaputra, said some of the provisions contained in the agreement threatened academic independence and the democratic principles within the institution of higher education.
"All students agree that this deal lacks clarity in each of its articles and does not have urgency for the university or the students," said Arma when confirmed on Tuesday, April 8.
According to Arma, the involvement of the military in academic institutions, especially without transparent grounds, could open up space for intervention in civil liberties and the reform values fought for in the past.
In a forum attended by the rectorate and representatives of 13 faculties, the students expressed their concerns openly. A lengthy discussion between the two parties resulted in two important points agreed upon in a joint agreement letter, namely that the Udayana University will propose to cancel the military deal and that the proposal will be submitted within a week of the agreement.
This step, said Arma, marks an important consolidation between students and the campus in maintaining the autonomy of the university. The joint agreement letter was signed by the chair of the Udayana University Student Senate, Ini Kadek Tirta Harum Arini; Udayana University’s BEM leader, I Wayan Arma Surya Darmaputra; and the Rector of the Udayana University, I Ketut Sudarsana.
Tempo's attempt to ask for the Udayana University rector's confirmation has not yet been met with an immediate response.
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