Bulaksumur petition


Bulaksumur petition was a document signed by academics from Gadjah Mada University on 31 January 2024, demanding that President Joko Widodo adhere to the rule of law.

Background

Joko Widodo has faced various accusations of undermining the rule of law. On 31 January 2024, Gadjah Mada University held an academic forum at the Senate Hall attended by UGM academics, students, and lecturers. During the event, Professor Koentjoro of the Faculty of Psychology, who served as spokesperson for the Academic Platform, read the Bulaksumur Petition, expressing regret over alleged irregularities during Jokowi's administration. Jokowi is also considered part of the Gadjah Mada University extended family.
Agus Wahyudi, Head of the UGM Pancasila Study Center and the petition’s initiator, stated that the document resulted from dialogue between professors, lecturers, and students. clarified that these notes are part of broader documentation on the perceived decline of democracy in Indonesia and emphasized that UGM did not intend to impeach Jokowi but rather to caution him about political maneuvering and threats to democracy. UGM also called on the People's Representative Council and the People's Consultative Assembly to address the political unrest surrounding the Indonesian presidential election.

The petition

The document outlines recent events in the Indonesian political sector, highlighting several alleged irregularities, including deviations from democratic principles, actions against the people, and breaches of social justice committed by high-ranking state officials. It also expresses regret over President Jokowi's role in allowing these irregularities to occur during his administration, which, according to the petition, has tarnished the reputation of Gadjah Mada University alumni. The petition was read by Professor Koentjoro from the Faculty of Psychology at Gadjah Mada University, accompanied by several professors and Gielbran M. Noor, Chair of the KM Student Executive Board, who represented the student body.
He added that Jokowi should always remember his pledge as a Gadjah Mada University alumnus, which reads:
Koentjoro concluded his speech by urging all law enforcement officers, state officials, and politicians to prioritize upholding democracy in Indonesia.

Notable attendants