April 28, 2025 | 09:31 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) has addressed concerns that the involvement of the Indonesian Military (TNI) in academic activities on campuses could stifle students' freedom of expression, dismissing these fears as an exaggeration.
Togar Mangihut Simatupang, Secretary General of Kemendiktisaintek, argued that campuses are open scientific spaces that uphold the principles of the Tridharma of higher education (the three pillars of education, research, and community service).
He stated that the TNI's presence on campuses is intended to offer insights into national defense and defense technology approaches, asserting that the military's involvement in the educational environment is not meant to restrict students' academic freedom.
"The TNI is one of the state institutions with the right and competence to contribute, particularly in the fields of national defense and defense technology," Togar said when contacted on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
He contended that the current era of open information allows all elements, including the TNI, to interact with the academic community within a framework of scientific validation that is subject to scrutiny. Therefore, according to Togar, the assumption that TNI involvement will lead to the normalization of power on campuses is unfounded.
"Concerns about normalization seem exaggerated because currently all elements have equal opportunities for development, and the openness of information allows for broad public validation," he maintained.
Togar emphasized that a more significant threat is the potential weakening of national spirit among the younger generation. He suggested that campuses need to facilitate freedom of expression through responsible and targeted channels, rather than arbitrary and unproductive outlets.
"Regarding freedom of expression, the important thing is its responsible channeling, not arbitrary expressions," he stated.
Togar's statement follows public scrutiny of remarks made by Minister of Education and Technology Research, Brian Yuliarto, who suggested that there would be no issue with TNI collaboration with campuses, specifically mentioning the possibility of TNI personnel teaching on campuses if permitted.
Brian made these comments after a closed working meeting with Commission X of the House of Representatives at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. He was responding to widespread reports concerning the presence of TNI personnel in various campus environments.
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