Ex-UGM Student Council President Finds Tracking Device Under His Car

Ex-UGM Student Council President Discovers Tracking Device Under His Car

Ex UGM Student Council President Finds - TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – On Saturday, June 13, 2026, during a protest in Gejayan, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Tiyo Ardianto, the former Student Executive Board (BEM) chair of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), claimed to have discovered a tracking device under the chassis of his car. The UGM alumnus, who had previously led the student council, revealed that the device, identified as a PBX Finder, was likely being used to monitor his movements. This revelation has sparked concerns about surveillance practices targeting critical voices within Indonesian civil society.

Incident Unveils Concerns Over Government Surveillance

Toyo, an undergraduate philosophy student at UGM, borrowed the car from his brother, citing feelings of insecurity due to recent travel experiences. He stated that the tracking device was found unexpectedly, raising questions about who might be monitoring his activities. “I just realized there was an important and urgent notification—there was a tracking device called PBX Finder moving with me,” he noted in a caption on his Instagram post. The incident has since become a focal point for discussions about privacy and state control over dissenting individuals.

Upon inspecting the car, Tiyo identified one PBX Finder device, which is capable of real-time location tracking and data collection. The device’s presence under his vehicle has led him to suspect that someone from the ruling regime is using it to follow his movements. This development coincides with a broader pattern of surveillance, as Tiyo reported receiving dozens of messages from an unknown sender since June 13. These messages, he said, have created a sense of paranoia and fear among activists and students.

Tiyo’s discovery highlights the increasing use of technology in political surveillance. The PBX Finder, a compact and discreet device, is commonly employed by law enforcement and intelligence agencies to monitor individuals suspected of opposing government policies. He emphasized that the device was not installed by his brother, suggesting external involvement. “I don’t know who installed it, but it’s clear someone wanted to track my every move,” he added, underscoring the potential for widespread monitoring of critics.

Critical Voices Targeted by Oppressive Regime Tactics

Tiyo attributed the tracking incident to the oppressive methods of the current administration, which he believes often targets individuals who challenge its policies. “The regime uses terror to silence those who speak out,” he said, drawing a parallel between the government’s actions and the use of critical analysis as a tool for national progress. He argued that the criticism is rooted in genuine patriotism and a desire to improve the country, yet it is met with threats and intimidation.

“How dangerous it is to be an Indonesian who loves his country,” Tiyo lamented. “We give medicine for its ailments, but it tries to poison us.” His remarks reflect a growing sentiment among activists that government surveillance is not only a tool for monitoring dissent but also a means of stifling public discourse. Tiyo’s case has resonated with many in the UGM community, who see it as a symbolic attack on academic freedom and student activism.

Following the discovery, Tiyo took steps to inform his closest associates about the incident. They advised him to submerge the tracking device in water, a common method to disable its functionality. This action, he said, was a temporary measure to protect his privacy while further investigations were conducted. The incident has also prompted discussions about the need for greater transparency in the use of tracking technology by authorities.