Clash Between Engineering and Agriculture Students at USK Banda Aceh: Two Buildings and Six Vehicles Burned

A major riot erupted in the surroundings of Syiah Kuala University (USK) in Darussalam, Banda Aceh, in the early hours of Thursday, 21 May 2026. The clashes involved students from the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Engineering, and culminated in the burning of campus facilities and several vehicles. According to information gathered, the fire consumed the old building, laboratories, and a security post in the Agriculture Faculty area. In addition to the property damage, two cars and four motorcycles parked at the site were burned. The fire was extinguished around 04:00 WIB after six fire engines were deployed to the scene. The tragic incident is believed to have stemmed from mutual taunting between groups of students from the two faculties. The disagreement was sparked by differing stances regarding participation in a demonstration to repeal the Governor Regulation (Pergub) Jaminan Kesehatan Aceh (JKA) at the Governor’s Office a few days earlier. Tensions peaked in the early hours of Thursday at about 01:39 WIB. Crowds from both sides clashed and converged on the respective faculties, until the situation spiralled out of control. To date, the total material losses from the incident are still being tallied by the university authorities. The USK Rector, Professor Mirza Tabrani, voiced deep concern over the incident. The university has now coordinated with police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the masterminds and perpetrators of the disturbance. “We appreciate the attention and concern of all members of the academic community for our beloved campus. Let us together maintain a safe, conducive, and controlled campus environment so that the teaching and learning can continue as usual,” said Mirza Tabrani, on Thursday (21/5). The Rector also reminded of Rector Regulation No. 15 of 2025 on the USK Student Code of Ethics. He emphasised that any violation of the provision will be dealt with firmly through guidance or sanctions in accordance with applicable rules. To prevent further clashes, university leadership has instructed stronger security across the campus. Lecturers were also asked to actively guide students to uphold academic ethics and not be easily provoked by misleading information. “We call on all members of the academic community to refrain from actions that worsen the situation. Persuasive, courteous, and constructive communication must be prioritised to maintain the stability of the heart of the Aceh people,” concluded the Rector. (H-3)