JAKARTA, Sept 2 — The safety of Malaysian students in Indonesia is under control despite demonstrations and riots in Jakarta and several other regions in the country, said Hans Joshua Peter, National Union of Malaysian Students in Indonesia (PKPMI) Central president.
He said all PKPMI branches across Indonesia are monitoring the situation, and emphasised that unity and discipline are the key factors for collective safety.
“There have been no reported incidents involving Malaysian students. We have issued safety guidelines, including avoiding demonstration areas, not travelling alone, always carrying important documents, and sharing information on one’s location,” he told Bernama.
Hans added that each PKPMI branch has been asked to liaise with the international offices of their universities to obtain updates and to inform campus management so they can assist in safeguarding student welfare.
PKPMI and its branches also communicate and submit daily reports, working together with Education Malaysia in Indonesia and the Malaysian Embassy to ensure students’ conditions are monitored and that they can be contacted, he said.
Hans noted that ensuring student safety and welfare is a key challenge in this situation, with a priority on disseminating accurate information without causing panic.
“We need to reassure families back home while managing the students’ needs on the ground on an ongoing basis,” he said.
Regarding the impact of the demonstrations, Hans said some classes have been postponed or moved online. However, the learning process is generally continuing, with certain adjustments depending on the university and location.
He reminded students to remain aware of their surroundings, take care of their personal safety, and stay focused on their main objective, which is to pursue their studies.
“We urge all students to remain calm and stay in contact with the association, branches, or the embassy if they require assistance,” he added.
Previously, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir said more than 1,200 Malaysian students are pursuing their studies in Indonesia.
Zambry said that through the Education Malaysia office in Indonesia, continuous and close monitoring is being conducted in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry to ensure the safety of Malaysian students.
