Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression in Indonesian Universities: Assessing the Protection of Student Activism
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65815/nehmhh41Keywords:
Academic freedom, freedom of expression, students, universities, IndonesiaAbstract
Universities serve as important spaces for intellectual debate, political discussion, and civic participation. However, student activism may generate tensions with institutional disciplinary rules, campus security policies, and governmental regulation. This article examines the protection of academic freedom and freedom of expression for university students in Indonesia. Using normative juridical and policy analysis, the study evaluates constitutional protections, higher education regulation, institutional rules, and mechanisms governing student demonstrations and political expression. The article argues that campus regulations should distinguish legitimate peaceful expression from conduct that poses genuine threats to safety or the rights of others. Vague disciplinary provisions may create a chilling effect when students cannot reasonably predict which forms of expression may result in sanctions. The study proposes a rights-based campus governance framework emphasizing legality, necessity, proportionality, transparency, and procedural fairness. Universities should provide clear rules, independent disciplinary procedures, and effective avenues for appeal. The article concludes that protecting student expression is essential to the educational mission of universities and to the development of democratic citizenship in Indonesia.
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