"Student demonstrations are a peaceful movement to monitor the government's work. Anarchy is not in their DNA. Therefore, the academic realm must be protected from repressive actions and infiltration by outside parties," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Yuliarto underlined his ministry's commitment to safeguarding universities as safe academic spaces. He said campuses must remain free from repressive measures, with dialogue and persuasive approaches prioritized.
To strengthen protections, the ministry plans to set up a complaint channel for students and staff to report incidents.
"We plan to provide a complaint channel to ensure that every issue on campus can be addressed promptly, while maintaining its function as a center of education and academic freedom," he noted.
A ministry team will also coordinate with university leaders to assess the impact of recent unrest on students, staff, and facilities.
Yuliarto said medical and psychological assistance will be provided if needed, and coordination with security forces will be enhanced to protect universities.
"I urge university leaders across Indonesia to open dialogue spaces, listen to students' aspirations, and set examples in maintaining a healthy and dignified democracy," he added.
The statement came after Bandung Islamic University (Unisba) reported that riots on Jalan Tamansari, Bandung, on Monday were sparked by unknown groups after student protests had concluded at the West Java Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) building.
Unisba Rector Harits Nu'man confirmed the chaos was not caused by students.
"Their actions were unlike those of students. We saw the shooting as an attempt to disperse the crowd. This was a public area, not a campus," he said.
The unrest followed a wave of large-scale demonstrations in several Indonesian cities after the death of a motorcycle taxi driver, who was run over by a police tactical vehicle during a Jakarta protest on August 28.
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Translator: Sean Filo M, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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