M. Rizki Yusrial, Jakarta – The Chairperson of the Student Executive Board of Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Tiyo Ardianto, has faced various threats and intimidation following the protest against the revision of TNI Law at the Regional Representatives Council (DPRD) building, Yogyakarta, on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Tiyo, as he is commonly called, admitted that the intimidation had taken a psychological toll. One form of it was a banner placed in the Abu Bakar Ali parking lot, the gathering point of the protest. The banner read, "Beware, Student Movement Infiltrated by Foreign Lackeys," using a horror-style blood-red font. It also featured images of four individuals, including Tiyo himself.
"The intimidation was psychological in nature, including the banner that was put up in the Abu Bakar Ali parking lot in Malioboro, where we gathered for the protest last Thursday," he told Tempo on Sunday night, March 23, 2025.
He also revealed that he had received direct threats, warning that if protests continued, his parents' safety would be at risk. Despite this, Tiyo remained steadfast, vowing to oppose policies that disregard public interest.
"I didn't share much about the terror I experienced with my friends because it didn't shake me. Also, I wanted to maintain calm so they wouldn't worry," he said.
The passage of the revised TNI Law sparked widespread anger among students and activists in Yogyakarta on March 20, 2025. Hundreds of demonstrators, dressed in black, gathered at the Yogyakarta DPRD from the morning. They came from various campuses and activist groups such as the Jogja Calling Alliance, the Cik Ditiro Forum, and others.
Their protests included speeches, large banners unfurled in the DPRD lobby, theatrical performances, flag hoisting at half-mast, and even burning safety cones in the DPRD yard.
According to Tempo's observations, hundreds of police officers were deployed to secure the demonstration, with several tactical vehicles stationed around the Yogyakarta DPRD building.
"The democracy of civil society is under threat following the passage of the TNI Law revision, which allows the military to hold public positions outside the defense sector," said Bung Koes, spokesperson for the Yogyakarta DPRD demonstration.
As night fell, the protesters refused to disperse, choosing to stay in the DPRD yard. They agreed to remain overnight until the TNI Law revision was annulled. By 22:30 WIB, they continued a free podium session, delivering speeches calling for its repeal.
Tents were set up on the grass under the statue of General Sudirman, the symbol of the Yogyakarta DPRD. The protesters also built a bonfire, gathered in circles, and listened to speeches late into the night.
By early Friday, March 21, 2025, the police intervened to disperse the protesters. At around 00:40 WIB, two Mobile Brigade (Brimob) tactical vehicles and dozens of riot police were deployed.
Tensions escalated when protesters refused to leave. Clashes broke out, with water bottles, wooden branches, and firecrackers flying through the air. A police water cannon was eventually used to force protesters out of the DPRD complex.
"It is already past midnight. I urge you to disperse quickly, as it is the month of Ramadan, and people need to observe their religious duties," Yogyakarta Police Chief Commissioner Aditya Surya Dharma announced via loudspeaker.
Even after being pushed outside the gate, protesters refused to leave and attempted to re-enter the DPRD complex. Negotiations ensued between them and the police, who had given them a midnight deadline to disperse. However, the demonstrators stood their ground.
– Pribadi Wicaksono and Hendrik Khoirul Muhid contributing to the writing of this article.