Budiman Sudjatmiko, head of Indonesia’s Poverty Alleviation Acceleration Agency, has described the sequence of events leading to the termination of a discussion forum held at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta. Sudjatmiko stated the forum was prematurely ended before the question-and-answer session could commence. Details surrounding the reasons for the disruption remain unclear, though Sudjatmiko’s account suggests an unexpected intervention led to its closure. The event aimed to facilitate dialogue on poverty alleviation strategies. Further information regarding the university’s or authorities’ involvement is pending. This incident has sparked debate regarding academic freedom and open discussion within Indonesian universities. Sudjatmiko’s recounting seeks to clarify the circumstances surrounding the forum’s abrupt conclusion.