REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Deputy speaker of the House of the Representatives, Fahri Hamzah criticized President Joko Widodo (Jokowi)'s attitude in responding the yellow card incident at University of Indonesia (UI)'s 68th anniversary event. Fahri considered the president was not open to criticism conveyed by the Zaadit Taqwa, the chairman of Student Executive Board (BEM). 

The yellow card, Fahri said, was given as an expression from the student to government. He thought it would be better if the president gave a more appropriate reactio. "Supposedly, Jokowi ask, who was that? BEM? Let's talk. Come on, what is your criticism to the government?," said Fahri at the Parliament complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (Feb 2).

According to Fahri, the critic was still within the scope of academic space. Therefore, the president should not bring all forms of feudalism and power into the campus. "Campus is the place where we think. People state their opinion freely. I regret there was bureucratic nuance," he said.

He assessed Jokowi brought to many security personnel to the campus. He saw that as a symbol of repression against academic freedom. "He should came with minimum security and prioritize intelligence operations," he remarked.

Zaadit Taqwa held up a yellow card against Jokowi in the university anniversary event. Shortly after the president delivered his speech, Zaadit stood from his seat and held up a yellow card. He was immediately secured and herded out by the Presidential Security Force (Paspampres). 

According to Zaadit, the act was to indicate that the president has been cautioned. He wanted Jokowi to evaluate his policies. 

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