UNESA Reaffirms Commitment to National Unity After Papua Students’ Involvement in Separatist Propaganda

Surabaya – Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA) is under scrutiny following the involvement of four Papua students in the Aliansi Mahasiswa Papua Komite Kota (AMP KK) Surabaya group, which is known for supporting separatist propaganda. Their actions are seen as contradictory to the spirit of national unity and the primary educational objectives that should be their main focus.
AMP KK Surabaya, a group frequently involved in activities promoting Papua’s struggle, has stirred controversy. The group is accused of exploiting students to spread narratives aimed at advocating for Papua’s separation from Indonesia, an agenda that goes against the national values upheld by the Indonesian people.
The participation of these students in an organization with separatist aims raises concerns among university authorities. This involvement risks tarnishing the image of Papua students in higher education, who are expected to set a positive example for progress and peace. As part of the academic community, Papua students are encouraged to seize the opportunity to learn and develop their potential, with the goal of returning to Papua to contribute positively to their home region, not becoming entangled in activities that undermine their future.
UNESA has reaffirmed that higher education should be a platform for character-building and fostering a sense of national identity, rather than serving as a venue for movements that threaten national unity. “We deeply regret the involvement of our students in activities that contradict the noble values of our nation. As an educational institution, we are committed to ensuring that our campus environment remains conducive to learning and free from the influence of separatist movements,” said UNESA Rector, Prof. Dr. Akhmad Hadi, in an official statement.
The university is currently reviewing possible actions against the involved students, including administrative sanctions or expulsion. These steps are being considered not only as a deterrent but also as a strong message that UNESA will not tolerate activities that go against the principles of national unity and the integrity of the nation.
Additionally, UNESA recognizes the importance of providing more intensive guidance for Papua students to help them stay focused on their academic goals. Dialogue-based approaches, mentorship, and support from the campus, government, and local communities will be enhanced to prevent students from falling under the influence of groups that do not align with the spirit of the Indonesian state.
Meanwhile, several Papua students at UNESA have expressed concern over the incident. “We want to learn and contribute the best we can for Papua, not get involved in activities that could harm the good relations among fellow citizens,” said one Papua student, who preferred to remain anonymous.
This case serves as a reminder that students, as the next generation of the nation, must always uphold their commitment to learning, contribute positively to society, and preserve the spirit of Indonesian unity wherever they are. Hopefully, the firm actions taken by UNESA will serve as a lesson to all that education is a tool for progress, not for agendas that contradict the nation’s ideology.