ULM Rector Gives Direction, Encourages Students to Affirm Commitment to Peaceful Protest in Banjarmasin
Banjarmasin, Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) demonstrated its role as a campus of struggle and a center for the nation’s intellectuals by accompanying thousands of its students who will participate in a peaceful demonstration in Banjarmasin on Monday (September 1). ULM Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Alim Bachri, SE, M.Sc., along with the Vice Rectors 1 and 2 were present at the Multipurpose Building, the student gathering point before departing for the demonstration location.
In his direction, the Rector emphasized that the ULM student movement must be based on conscience, carried out responsibly, and uphold the high standards of manners as intellectuals. “As a campus of struggle that produces the nation’s intellectuals, this action must be a constructive and measured criticism. We show the public that ULM students are not easily provoked, but stand for the interests of the community, the nation, and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia,” he emphasized.
According to the Rector, this peaceful demonstration was not merely an expression of aspirations, but also a form of ULM’s contribution to maintaining national unity. He emphasized that students should uphold the good name of themselves, their families, and their alma mater by prioritizing integrity as scientists.
In his directive, the Rector conveyed nine important appeals, including maintaining personal safety, closing ranks, avoiding outside interference, and always prioritizing order and courtesy. Furthermore, students were encouraged to strengthen their spirituality by increasing remembrance of God (zikir), prayers (shalawat), and chanting ULM slogans throughout the demonstration.
“If we don’t maintain national unity, who will? With their diverse backgrounds, ULM students must prove that their criticism is a genuine, conscientious struggle for the benefit of the nation and region,” the Rector added.
ULM emphasized that student involvement in this demonstration will go down in the history of the campus’ struggle, not only in voicing aspirations, but also in fostering brotherhood and harmony within the South Kalimantan community.
