REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Chairman of the Board of Trustees (MWA) of Universitas Indonesia (UI) KH Yahya Cholil Staquf expressed his apology regarding the pro-Zionist academics who were the source of a discussion at the UI. A familiar man named Gus Yahya and also the general chairman of PBNU affirmed the UI's commitment to supporting Palestine.
“I am aware of an omission that raises concerns about events in the UI. Sincerely, I apologize,” Gus Yahya posted on Instagram account @yahyacholilstaquf on Thursday (18/9/2025).
Gus Yahya confirmed that the UI and the Indonesians consistently support Palestine. As a mandate of the constitution and the calling of humanity, we together stand firm against colonization .
The following is Gus Yahya's full statement.
APOLOGY AND SUPPORT FOR UI-PALESTINE CENTRE
Assalamu'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, Peace be upon us all.
I, Yahya Cholil Staquf, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Indonesia, hereby reiterate my sincere apology to the entire community of the University of Indonesia as well as the wider community.
My proposal presented one of the sources at the University Academic System Introduction event, UI Graduate Program, on August 23, 2025, lacking respect in background checks. This caused unrest and affected the reputation of the University of Indonesia as a campus of consistent struggle in support of Palestinian independence.
I am sorry for this omission. With all humility, I apologize to the Ul leadership, lecturers, students, educational personnel, and alumni. I am committed to implementing more stringent vetting mechanisms and involving various parties so that every step is in line with the high values and reputation of the University of Indonesia.
I also reaffirm that the University of Indonesia, and I personally, stand firmly with the Indonesian people in supporting Palestinian independence, in accordance with the mandate of the constitution and humanitarian principles.
As a concrete manifestation of my support for Palestinian sovereignty, I strongly support the existence of the UI-Palestine Center at the University of Indonesia and am ready to contribute to its development and progress.
May the University of Indonesia continue to be a university of excellence, integrity, and the pride of the nation.
Wassalamu'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Peace be upon you.
Jakarta, September 18, 2025
Yahya Cholil Staquf
Previously, in August of this year, UI invited an academic named Peter Berkowitz to a discussion. Berkowitz's name was proposed by KH Yahya Cholil Staquf. Previously, Berkowitz had also been a speaker at the Nahdlatul Ulama National Leadership Academy.
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