UPI Ready to Accept Criticism Following Deputy Speaker of DPR Walkout

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) declares that it is open to criticism and input from various parties that emerged after the incident of walk out by the Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, during the inauguration of the rector for the period 2025-2030, Prof Didi Sukyadi, some time ago.

"Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) openly and humbly accepts all forms of suggestions, inputs, or constructive criticism from the public regarding any issues, including issues that arise post the inauguration of the UPI Rector for the period 2025-2030," said UPI Public Relations Head, Suhendra, in an official statement received by Tirto on Wednesday (6/18/2025).

Suhendra stated that the oath of office for the Rector of UPI period 2025-2030 was actually conducted in Indonesian as stipulated by applicable regulatory provisions. As for the insertion of the principles "values for value, full commitment no conspiracy, and defender of integrity" at the end of the oath text, he acknowledged that it was intended as a principle in building institutional governance that adapts to the changes of the times.

"This principle is interpreted as an effort to prioritize values for benefit, full commitment without conspiracy, and becoming a defender of integrity that shows the seriousness of UPI as an institution adapting to the times and community needs," explained Suhendra.

Suhendra mentions that UPI also opens itself to receive aspirations from various parties, including calls for dialogue, whether direct or indirect.

"In order to improve the sustainable future and achieve good governance institutions that uphold excellence, integrity, and public trust," said Suhendra.

Previously, Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal revealed that the reason he chose to walk out was because the oath-taking ceremony was conducted in English.

According to Cucun, this action is considered a violation of Law No. 24 of 2009 concerning the Flag, Language, State Symbol, and National Anthem.

"I cannot accept the oath of office for the rector at an educational institution in Indonesia being conducted in a foreign language. This clearly contradicts Law No. 24 of 2009 which stipulates that Indonesian must be used in the swearing-in ceremony in the official state environment," Cucun said in his official statement on Monday (June 16, 2025).