Udayana University Student Case: Minister Demands Explanation

Indonesian Minister Vows Action After Student Death Highlights Bullying Crisis at Udayana University

Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, has expressed deep concern and pledged swift action following the death of a Udayana University (Unud) student, Timothy Anugerah Saputra, and revelations of subsequent insensitive behavior by fellow students. The incident has ignited a national conversation about campus safety and the prevalence of bullying in indonesian universities.

the Minister’s response came after learning of the bullying experienced by Saputra, a student at Unud in Bali. According to reports, Yuliarto immediately contacted the university’s Chancellor to demand a full description of the circumstances surrounding the case.

“We are of course vrey shocked and very concerned about the incident or disaster that befell Timothy Anugerah Saputra, one of the students at Udayana University,” yuliarto stated on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in South Jakarta.”We have immediately contacted the Chancellor, we have contacted the Chancellor. We asked for an explanation.”

Yuliarto conveyed his condolences and sympathy to Saputra’s family, emphasizing the need for ongoing communication and support. “What is needed to make conditions better for the victim’s family,” he explained,signaling a commitment to providing assistance beyond a formal inquiry.

Did you know?– Indonesia does not have specific national laws addressing bullying,leaving universities to rely on internal regulations and broader legal frameworks.

Campus safety and Existing Regulations

The Minister underscored the critical importance of creating safe learning environments for all students, free from violence and intimidation. He referenced existing regulations designed to address these issues,stating,”We already have a Minister of Education and Culture Regulation,yes,in 2024,I forgot number 53 if I’m not mistaken,that regulates how to prevent and handle violence on campus.”

This regulation provides a framework for universities to proactively prevent and respond to incidents of violence,but its effectiveness is now under scrutiny in light of the tragedy at Udayana University.

Pro tip:– Universities can implement anonymous reporting systems to encourage students to report bullying incidents without fear of retaliation.

Investigation and Institutional response

Following the Minister’s intervention, the Chancellor of Unud reportedly formed a team to thoroughly investigate the events leading up to Saputra’s death.The university has also committed to providing support to the victim’s family and other individuals affected by the situation. Furthermore, Unud officials are working to ensure a conducive campus habitat to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Yuliarto emphasized the need for a broader reflection within the higher education sector. “This is also of course a reflection for us in the higher education environment, be it ministries, university leaders, student organizations and the entire academic community, let’s take a closer look, look carefully at the conditions of students which we need to pay close attention to,” he explained. He added that many cases are frequently enough overlooked, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring and proactive intervention.

Reader question:– What role do student organizations play in preventing bullying? They should actively promote inclusivity and bystander intervention training.

Dismissal of Student Administrators

In a meaningful progress, six Udayana University students involved in the bullying of Saputra have been dismissed from their administrative positions within student organizations. This action followed the discovery of an unempathetic conversation among the students after Saputra’s death on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.The dismissals signal a strong institutional response to the unacceptable behavior and a commitment to accountability.

The Minister’s office is continuing to monitor the situation closely, seeking updates from the Chancellor of Unud and working to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to address the underlying issues that contributed to this tragic event.The case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for complete strategies to combat bullying and promote a culture

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