UBK Says Student Leaders Received Rp20 Million Bribe Via Police

UBK Claims Student Leaders Accepted Rp20 Million Bribe Through Police Channel

Tempatdonasi.com – On June 23, 2026, officials from Bung Karno University (UBK) revealed that student leaders had allegedly received a bribe of Rp20 million before organizing a protest in Jakarta. The university’s Vice Rector III, Daniel Panda, stated the funds were handed over via police intermediaries, raising concerns about the integrity of the student-led demonstration. The protest, titled “Restructuring Indonesia,” was initially planned for June 15 but reportedly faced an attempt to redirect its location, according to the university’s allegations.

Internal Inquiry Reveals Admission of Bribe Acceptance

Daniel Panda, speaking at the UBK campus in Central Jakarta, explained that the payment was intended for members of the Student Executive Board (BEM), particularly representatives from the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Economics. The admission came during an internal investigation led by the rectorate, which included Muhammad Abdimaludin, the chairman of the BEM for the Faculty of Law. Abdimaludin, who was present at the meeting, confirmed that he received the Rp20 million from a senior alumnus through a police intermediary.

“The chairperson of the Faculty of Law BEM admitted to receiving Rp20 million from a senior alumnus, which was handed over through the police,” Daniel said.

According to the vice rector, the student leaders were approached by a law faculty alumnus who sought to relocate the protest. The proposal suggested that BEM would gain Rp20 million if they agreed to hold their demonstration at the parliamentary complex instead of the State Palace. The students, however, rejected the offer and continued with their planned protest toward the State Palace. Despite this, the funds were reportedly accepted by the group, as stated by Daniel.

Video Evidence Sparks Public Interest

The allegation gained broader attention after a video circulated on social media, showing Abdimaludin acknowledging the receipt of the money. The footage captured the student leader explaining how the funds were distributed among several individuals, including alumni and other student representatives. In the video, Abdimaludin detailed the allocation: Rp2.5 million went to two alumni, Rp2 million to his deputy, Rp2 million to Mubarak, and Rp2 million to the BEM of the Faculty of Economics (FE).

“Rp2.5 million went to two alumni, Rp2 million to my deputy, Rp2 million to Mubarak, and Rp2 million to BEM FE UBK,” Abdimaludin said in the video.

The university has yet to confirm whether disciplinary actions will be taken against those involved. However, the case has sparked debate about the role of police in facilitating financial transactions related to student activism. Some critics argue that the police’s involvement could indicate a broader effort to influence protest outcomes, while others question the transparency of the university’s investigation process.

Post-Protest Engagement with Vice President Gibran

Following the demonstration, UBK student representatives held a closed-door meeting with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka at the Vice Presidential Palace. The gathering involved 15 students from the university, who discussed several policy issues, including the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program and the Red and White Village Cooperative initiative. According to Abdimaludin, the Vice President listened to the group’s demands, which included evaluating existing government programs for flaws.

“The Vice President took note of our demands, including the need to evaluate and address various problems in current government programs, such as the Free Nutritious Meals program and the Red and White Village Cooperative,” Abdimaludin said after the meeting.

During the session, the students highlighted challenges such as inefficiencies in the MBG program, which aims to provide meals to students, and issues with the Red and White Village Cooperative, a government-backed initiative intended to support local communities. Abdimaludin emphasized that the group was prepared to escalate their actions if their concerns were not resolved within five days. “BEM UBK will continue organizing demonstrations if the government fails to respond to the issues raised,” he warned.

Context and Implications of the Allegation

The controversy surrounding the Rp20 million bribe underscores growing tensions between student groups and university authorities in Indonesia. While UBK has maintained that the funds were used for personal purposes, the incident has raised questions about the motivations behind the protest and the potential for external influences. The police’s role in facilitating the transaction has added another layer to the debate, with some suggesting that the agency may have acted as a middleman to ease the relocation of the demonstration.

Abdimaludin’s admission, captured on video, has become a focal point of public discourse. The footage not only confirms the financial exchange but also highlights the internal dynamics of the student leadership. Critics argue that the distribution of funds among multiple individuals could imply a broader network of influence, while supporters of the student leaders maintain that the money was used to cover logistical costs or personal expenses related to the protest.

The case also reflects the challenges faced by student organizations in balancing their demands with the pressures of external funding. The alleged bribe, which was tied to the relocation of the protest, raises concerns about the autonomy of student groups and the possibility of their actions being swayed by financial incentives. As the university continues its investigation, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between education institutions, student bodies, and political actors.

Broader Impact on Public Perception

Public reactions to the alleged bribe have been mixed, with some viewing the incident as a sign of corruption within academic circles, while others see it as a strategic move to secure support for the students’ cause. The university’s failure to disclose disciplinary measures has further fueled speculation about its commitment to transparency. Meanwhile, the meeting with Vice President Gibran has provided a platform for the students to voice their grievances directly to a senior government official, signaling a potential shift in their approach to advocacy.

As the investigation unfolds, the incident could have long-term implications for the credibility of student-led movements in Indonesia. The role of the police in the alleged transaction has drawn particular scrutiny, with some suggesting that their involvement may have been a deliberate effort to mediate between the students and the government. This has sparked discussions about the extent of police influence in public demonstrations and whether such interactions are routine or part of a larger agenda.

Despite the controversy, the “Restructuring Indonesia” protest remains a symbol of student activism. The group’s decision to proceed with the demonstration, even after the offer to relocate, demonstrates their resolve to pursue their demands. The episode has also highlighted the importance of media in amplifying such allegations, as the video of Abdimaludin’s admission became a key piece of evidence in the public narrative.

For now, the university continues to assess the situation, with no immediate announcement on disciplinary actions. The case is expected to remain in the spotlight as both the students and the authorities navigate the implications of the bribe allegations. With the meeting with Vice President Gibran already underway, the next steps may depend on how the university addresses the issue and whether it can reconcile its claims with the growing public interest in the matter.

Read more about the palace’s probe into alleged payoffs to UBK student leaders here. Follow Tempo for the latest news updates on Google News.