Why Student Boards Are Denying Links to ‘BEM Bersatu’
Why Student Boards Are Denying Links – TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – In recent days, a new alliance named “BEM Bersatu” (BEM United) has sparked controversy among university student leadership groups. The group, which emerged abruptly, accused Tiyo Ardianto, the former head of the Gadjah Mada University Student Executive Board, of being influenced by political forces. This has led to swift rebuttals from several student boards, who are now distancing themselves from the alliance’s claims.
The Rise of BEM United and Its Allegations
BEM United claims to represent the student executive boards of multiple institutions. The alliance includes prominent figures such as Wildan Ricky, who leads the Law Faculty BEM at Unisia, and Muhammad Yani from the Law Faculty of UIJ. Other members are Ardi Zulkifly, head of FISIP BEM at Unas (National University); Ardiansyah, chairperson of the BEM at Al-Aqidah Institute; Ahmad Ghazy, a representative from the Psychology BEM at UNJ; and Alfi, who oversees the FEB BEM at Unpam. The group also asserts involvement from individuals like Rahmat Djimbula, reportedly the head of UIC Law BEM, Dicky of the FIPS BEM at Unindra, and Rezky Anandar from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Management Administration BEM at STIAMI Institute.
According to BEM United, Tiyo Ardianto’s actions were tied to a vehicle registered under Siti Nuraini, his sister. Siti Nuraini is the spouse of Lieutenant General (Ret.) Setyo Sularso, a retired military official. The retired general is also the father-in-law of Lieutenant General (Ret.) Andika Perkasa, a key member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). Andika Perkasa was previously part of Ganjar Pranowo’s campaign team for the 2024 Presidential Election. BEM United further claims that the National Unity Dialogue forum, set to take place in Bandung on June 18, 2026, will feature Tiyo Ardianto, Setyo Sularso, and other notable figures.
Student Boards Clarify Their Involvement
Disputing the alliance’s assertions, the Faculty of Engineering and Informatics BEM at Bina Sarana Informatika University (UBSI) stated they had no part in BEM United. The board emphasized that no committee, member, or representative named Ahmad had been authorized to participate. Their official Instagram account, @bemftiubsi, published a statement on June 17, 2026, affirming that “BEM FTI UBSI has never granted a mandate to anyone to represent the organization in this activity.”
Similarly, the Psychology BEM at UNJ denied sending Ahmad Ghazy to the alliance. They argued that the group had improperly claimed their institutional identity, calling the move an ethical breach. In a post on their Instagram account, @bemfpsiunj, the board noted that Ahmad Ghazy is an alumnus of the 2020 graduating class and does not hold any position within the current student organization. “The actions or views expressed are the personal responsibility of the individual,” the statement declared.
The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Unas also challenged BEM United’s claim regarding Ardi Zulkifly. The university clarified that they do not even maintain a faculty-level student executive board. FISIP Unas highlighted that Ardi Zulkifly’s participation in the alliance is a personal endeavor. “He lacks the institutional capacity to represent National University’s FISIP under the title mentioned,” their statement read.
Rebuttals from Tiyo Ardianto and PDI-P
Responding to the accusations, Tiyo Ardianto has focused on broader concerns about government policies. He has not directly addressed the allegations of political influence, instead directing attention to the student movement’s role in monitoring public governance. “This is about the collective effort to hold the administration accountable,” he said in a recent statement.
PDI-P, the party led by Megawati Soekarnoputri, has dismissed the claims as unfounded. Guntur Romli, the party’s spokesperson, pointed out that Siti Nuraini and Setyo Sularso are not affiliated with PDI-P. “They are neither members nor officials of the party,” he stated on June 17, 2026. Romli criticized the logic behind the accusations, arguing that linking a civilian car to a family relationship and then associating it with political influence is a flawed argument. “It is baseless and absurd to suggest PDI-P is responsible for the student movement,” he added.
The dispute has raised questions about the integrity of student leadership and the role of political affiliations in academic organizations. Some critics argue that the formation of BEM United may be a deliberate attempt to reshape the narrative surrounding recent student actions. Others see it as a natural extension of existing tensions within the student community. Despite the denials, the alliance’s claims have ignited a broader debate about transparency and accountability in student governance.
As the controversy unfolds, the National Unity Dialogue forum in Bandung has become a focal point for discussions. If Tiyo Ardianto and Setyo Sularso are indeed present, their participation could further fuel the debate. The event is expected to bring together diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, and political figures, to address the growing divide.
Meanwhile, the student boards involved are maintaining their stance. They insist that the alliance has misrepresented their involvement and is using their identities to bolster its own agenda. For instance, the FISIP BEM at Unas has highlighted the importance of institutional credibility, warning against the misuse of student organizations for political purposes. “We are not a tool for any party’s interests,” one board member said in a statement.
The debate over BEM United has also touched on the MBG (Free Nutritious Meal) project, which has been a contentious issue in recent months. Some see the alliance as a response to the project’s implementation, while others believe it is a separate movement. Regardless of the context, the student boards’ denials underscore a desire to maintain autonomy from political forces. They argue that any connection to PDI-P is speculative and not supported by evidence.
As the situation develops, the student community remains divided. While some support the alliance’s efforts to address perceived injustices, others view it as an attempt to politicize student leadership. The upcoming forum in Bandung is likely to serve as a platform for further clarification and dialogue. For now, the focus remains on proving or disproving the links between BEM United and the PDI-P, with each side presenting its case through official statements and public declarations.
Implications for Student Governance
The emergence of BEM United has highlighted the challenges of maintaining a clear separation between student leadership and political entities. With key figures from various universities claiming representation, the alliance has the potential to influence policy discussions. However, its legitimacy hinges on the accuracy of its claims and the consent of the institutions it purports to represent.
Students and educators are closely monitoring the developments, with many concerned about the impact on academic independence. If BEM United gains traction, it could reshape how student boards engage with national issues. On the other hand, the current denials suggest a commitment to preserving the integrity of individual student organizations. The resolution of this dispute may set a precedent for future collaborations and conflicts within the student movement.
For now, the debate continues, with each side leveraging social media to amplify its message. The use of platforms like Instagram allows student boards to reach a wider audience and challenge the alliance’s narrative in real time. As the June 18 forum approaches, the pressure on both parties to provide definitive answers will intensify. Whether the allegations hold true or not, the controversy has already brought renewed attention to the role of student leadership in national politics.
