Campus Damaged by Earthquake, Unika Ruteng Students Move to Online Classes

Thousands of students at the Universitas Katolik Indonesia (Unika) Santu Paulus Ruteng in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), have not yet been able to return to their campus. Damage to buildings caused by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake has forced the new academic year’s lectures to be held online.

The new academic year at Unika Santu Paulus Ruteng began on 14 September 2026. The online learning policy was adopted in consideration of the condition of the campus buildings, which were damaged by the earthquake on 15 August.

“Classes are online,” said Unika Santu Paulus spokesperson Selvianus Hadun on Tuesday (15/9/2026).

Selvianus said the damaged buildings at Unika Santu Paulus Ruteng have not yet been repaired. The damage to the buildings is still being assessed.

“It is still under assessment,” said Selvianus.

Previously, a number of Unika Santu Paulus Ruteng buildings suffered severe damage from the earthquake. Walls in several multi-storey buildings collapsed.

There are 60 points of damage across the campus. Thirty of them sustained severe damage.

“Based on the results of an inspection by the campus technical team, there are a total of 60 points of damage, with 30 points classified as severely damaged,” said Selvianus on Tuesday (18/8).

Unika St Paulus Ruteng is one of the most sought-after campuses in Flores among prospective students each year. This year, the campus welcomed 2,370 new students.