Student Bodies Disavow Representatives Linked to BEM Bersatu
Student Bodies Disavow Representatives Linked to BEM – On June 17, 2026, a coalition of student groups from multiple universities issued a collective declaration regarding the formation of the United Student Executive Body (BEM Bersatu) alliance. The statement highlighted concerns over the alliance’s association with certain individuals who accused Tiyo Ardianto, the former chairperson of the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Student Executive Board, of having political affiliations. These claims sparked a wave of denials from various student organizations, who insisted their members were not part of the BEM Bersatu network.
Accusations Against Tiyo Ardianto
The BEM Bersatu alliance claimed that Tiyo Ardianto maintained ties with specific political parties, which led to criticism of his leadership. One of the key allegations involved the vehicle he uses, which was reportedly registered under the name Siti Nuraini, the sister of retired Lieutenant General TNI Setyo Sularso. This connection raised eyebrows, as Siti Nuraini is also the mother-in-law of Andhika Perkasa, a retired Lieutenant General TNI affiliated with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) and a campaign member for Ganjar Pranowo in the 2024 Presidential Election.
“The BEM FTI UBSI has never authorized anyone to represent the organization in such activities,” stated the group on their @bemftiubsi Instagram account.
Disavowal of Institutional Involvement
Several student bodies clarified that their names were being used by the BEM Bersatu alliance without official endorsement. These organizations emphasized that the alliance’s actions did not reflect their collective stance or policies. For instance, the Faculty of Engineering and Informatics Student Executive Board at Bina Sarana Informatika University (BSI) confirmed that they had not sent representatives to any events organized by BEM Bersatu. They also pointed out that there was no official member named Ahmad in their ranks, as claimed by the alliance.
Similarly, the Psychology Student Executive Board at the State University of Jakarta (UNJ) denied that Ahmad Ghazy, a 2020 graduate, represented them in the BEM Bersatu alliance. The organization stated that their identity had been misused, calling it a breach of ethical standards. “The actions and views expressed are the personal responsibility of the individual,” they added in a statement on their @bemfpsiunj account.
The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences Student Executive Board at the National University (Unas) also refuted Ardin Zulkifly’s involvement with BEM Bersatu. They clarified that the faculty does not have a formal student executive body and that Ardin’s participation was his own initiative. “He does not have the institutional capacity to represent the National University Faculty of Social and Political Sciences based on the aforementioned position,” their statement read.
Key Figures in the BEM Bersatu Alliance
The BEM Bersatu alliance includes individuals from diverse academic backgrounds, with notable names such as Wildan Ricky, Muhammad Yani, and Ardin Zulkifly. Wildan Ricky serves as the head of the Law Faculty Student Executive Board at Unisia, while Muhammad Yani holds the same role at UIJ. Ardin Zulkifly, the chairperson of the Social and Political Sciences Faculty Student Executive Board at the National University, is also part of the group. Other members include Ardiansyah from the Al-Aqidah Institute Student Executive Board, Ahmad Ghazy from the Psychology Student Executive Board at UNJ, and Alfi from the Economics and Business Faculty Student Executive Board at Pamulang University.
Additional members include Rahmat Djimbula, who claims to be the chair of the UIC Law Student Executive Board, Dicky from the Faculty of Economics and Business Student Executive Board at Indraprasta PGRI University, and Ahmad from the Faculty of Engineering and Informatics Student Executive Board at BSI. The alliance’s representatives assert that these individuals are affiliated with their organizations and have joined the BEM Bersatu movement to support its initiatives.
Clarifications from Affected Universities
Following the disavowal, several institutions provided statements to distance themselves from the BEM Bersatu alliance. The Faculty of Educational Sciences and Social Knowledge at Indraprasta PGRI University (Unindra) confirmed that Dicky was not part of their organization. “All actions, statements, and consequences are the personal responsibility of the individual,” they stated in an official declaration published on June 18, 2026.
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Administration Management at STIAMI Institute also clarified that Rezky Anandar was not a representative of their student body in the BEM Bersatu alliance. These denials underscored the confusion surrounding the alliance’s membership and highlighted the importance of clear communication between student groups and their affiliated organizations.
Meanwhile, PDIP denied any involvement in the criticisms made by Tiyo Ardianto, particularly regarding the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Project. The party stated that the accusations were personal and not aligned with their policies or activities. Tiyo, however, chose not to respond to the allegations, leaving his political connections open to interpretation.
Political Implications and Student Movements
The controversy has sparked debates about the role of student organizations in political affairs. Critics argue that the BEM Bersatu alliance’s activities may compromise the independence of the student movement, which is traditionally seen as a platform for youth-led advocacy. The movement’s supposed neutrality is now under scrutiny, with some questioning whether it has become a tool for political influence.
Despite the disavowals, the BEM Bersatu alliance continues to assert its legitimacy, claiming that its members are genuine student representatives. The organization’s efforts to rally support across different universities highlight its growing influence, even as it faces backlash from those who view its actions as a deviation from student-led priorities. The situation remains a focal point for discussions about transparency and accountability in student governance.
As the debate unfolds, the focus remains on the accuracy of the accusations and the extent of the alliance’s reach. The student bodies’ clarifications provide a critical perspective, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining the integrity of their institutions. The outcome of this dispute could shape the future direction of student-led initiatives in Indonesia, particularly in the context of the 2024 Presidential Election.
