TANGERANG, JURNALPOST – Allegations of student involvement in paid mobilization during Youth Pledge Day commemorations have drawn sharp criticism from student activists. If proven true, such practices are seen as damaging to the values of the youth struggle and a threat to the independence of the student movement.
Ripan Ardiana, Executive Chair of the Banten chapter of the National Student League for Democracy (LMND), expressed his concern and condemnation regarding the alleged mobilization of students in exchange for material rewards.
Ripan's statement follows a clarification reportedly issued by the Student Executive Board (BEM) of Indraprasta PGRI University (Unindra) regarding the matter.
According to Ripan, the Youth Pledge Day momentum should serve as a space for the younger generation to strengthen unity, national consciousness, and social responsibility, rather than being exploited for the interests of specific groups.
"This is shameful! Youth Pledge Day is not a stage to showcase transactional interests. The Youth Pledge was born from the consciousness, courage, and unity of young people fighting for the nation's future. How could such a historic moment be tarnished by practices that allegedly turn students into tools for mobilization?" Ripan asserted.
Independence of the Student Movement Questioned
Ripan believes students have a moral and intellectual responsibility to maintain independence when voicing public aspirations. Therefore, the alleged involvement of students in paid mobilization must be investigated transparently to prevent widespread speculation.
He reminded that the history of the student movement in Indonesia is inseparable from the struggle for democracy, social justice, and political change. Public trust in the movement, he argued, must be maintained through the critical stance and integrity of its activists.
"Whoever is involved must be held accountable for this incident! Do not let students be used merely as tools to fulfill group interests, political agendas, or the interests of a few. Students are not commodities to be bought, not masses to be rented, and not tools of legitimacy to build the image of certain parties," he said.
Ripan also highlighted the issue of student idealism, which has long been the foundation for organizational activities, academic discussions, and demonstrations.
According to him, the student movement will lose its moral legitimacy if the involvement of its members in an activity is based more on material rewards than on awareness of the issues being fought for.
"The dignity of students is being humiliated! We often talk about change, democracy, justice, and siding with the people. But how can the people trust the student movement if the integrity of the movement itself is in question?" he said.
Nevertheless, the alleged paid mobilization still requires further explanation and proof. Ripan's statement represents the stance and assessment of LMND Banten, not a conclusion that any specific party has been proven to have committed a violation.
LMND Banten Demands Open Clarification
Regarding this issue, LMND Banten has requested that all parties aware of or involved in the activities provide an open explanation.
Ripan believes the clarification from BEM Unindra needs to be followed up with a disclosure of facts so that the public can clearly understand the situation.
He also requested that parties suspected of initiating or organizing the student mobilization provide an explanation if evidence of material rewards for specific interests is found.
In its statement, LMND Banten outlined four key positions:
Requesting all related parties to provide an open and responsible clarification.
Urging a transparent investigation into the alleged practice of paid student mobilization.
Rejecting all forms of commercialization of the student movement for group or political interests.
Inviting all student elements to maintain the independence, integrity, and honor of the student movement.
Ripan emphasized that the effort to uncover this issue should not be directed at disparaging students as a whole, but rather serve as a reminder that student organizations should not be easily exploited by interests outside their struggle agenda.
Reminding Students Not to Trade Idealism for Material Gain
Furthermore, Ripan invited students to use the Youth Pledge Day commemoration as a momentum to strengthen collective consciousness and responsibility toward society.
He believes the strength of a movement is not determined solely by the number of participants present at an event or mass action. Consciousness, courage, and an understanding of the struggle's goals are more important measures.
"It is better to stand with a small number of people who possess consciousness and courage than to fill a field with thousands who do not understand what they are fighting for. Because the strength of the student movement is not measured by how many people can be gathered, but by how strong their idealism and commitment to the people are," he expressed.
Ripan hopes this issue will serve as an evaluation for all student organizations in maintaining independence and public trust.
"Do not sell idealism just for momentary interests. The Youth Pledge is a legacy of struggle, not a stage for transactions. The dignity of students must be protected, not traded!" he concluded.
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