UGM Student Protest Allegedly Targeted in 'Thuggery': What to Know

September 2, 2026 | 03:54 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has strongly condemned violence and what it described as suspected political thuggery targeting several of its students during a civil society protest in Yogyakarta on Tuesday night, September 1, 2026.

The university said freedom of expression is a legitimate part of democracy and must be protected by security authorities.

Six Students Injured

The demonstration, organized by the Civil Society Alliance at the Gramedia intersection in Yogyakarta, had proceeded peacefully since the afternoon before turning violent at night. UGM said the unrest was allegedly triggered by provocation from an unidentified group of people suspected of being affiliated with a mass organization.

UGM Student Affairs Director Hempri Suyatna said six students, including five from UGM and one from Yogyakarta State University (UNY), were assaulted and taken to Panti Rapih Hospital.

"Six students, consisting of five UGM students and one UNY student, were victims of assault and had to be taken to Panti Rapih Hospital," Hempri said at a press conference on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Based on information gathered by the university, the attack occurred at around 10 p.m. local time.

Hempri said the student protesters were forcibly pushed back by a group of people despite not engaging in any provocative or violent actions.

"The students were not being anarchic or causing trouble, but they were pushed back through violent actions," he said. "Some suffered injuries after being hit in the temple, while others were kicked in the arms and legs."

The students received medical treatment for physical injuries and trauma before being allowed to return home in the early hours of Wednesday.

University Seeks Evidence

UGM said it is still gathering information and evidence to identify the group allegedly responsible for the attack as it considers further legal action.

UGM Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service and Alumni Arie Sujito expressed concern over the incident, saying the violence should have been prevented by police officers at the scene.

He said students had joined the protest to voice their concerns over the country's economic and political situation.

"The violence carried out by several groups against the students should have been prevented," Arie said, adding that police officers had a responsibility to protect both students and the wider public.

Arie said attempts to pit student movements against other groups in society, as well as what he described as political thuggery, could not be justified.

Legal Action Considered

The university is now preparing possible legal measures to advocate for the injured students and prevent similar incidents from happening again.

"Whoever committed the violence must be held accountable," Arie said. "We are considering taking further steps with several parties to advocate for the victims because there can be no tolerance for violence."

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