House Commission X to Summon Ministry over Unsoed Corruption Case
JAKARTA — Deputy Chairman of House Commission X Lalu Hadrian Irfani has stated that bribery must not occur in any higher education institution. He emphasised the importance of equal access to higher education, which should not become a transactional space for those with significant financial means.
Lalu made the remarks in response to the arrest of Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) Rector Akhmad Sodiq by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Akhmad Sodiq has been named a suspect in a case involving the conditioning of new student admissions.
“On behalf of House Commission X, we express our concern and deep regret if the alleged conditioning of new student admissions at Jenderal Soedirman University is confirmed to have occurred,” Lalu told reporters on Thursday (27/8/2026).
Lalu reminded that new student admissions must be objective, transparent, accountable, and based on the achievements of prospective students, not on proximity to certain parties or the ability to pay. He expressed hope that this case would become a momentum for reforming the new student admission system, particularly in the independent selection pathway.
“This issue must not damage public trust in higher education institutions,” said the legislator from the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction.
Lalu also said that House Commission X plans to summon the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) to seek an explanation regarding measures to strengthen the governance of student admissions at state universities (PTN) following the Unsoed case. This comes as Commission X has just completed the work of the New Student Admission Selection Working Committee (Panja SPMB).
“It contains important recommendations for improving the selection system going forward,” Lalu said.
Previously, the KPK announced Unsoed Rector Akhmad Sodiq as a suspect in an alleged corruption case related to the university’s new student admission process. In this case, Sodiq allegedly sought personal gain from new student admissions through the independent pathway.
In carrying out his actions, Sodiq was allegedly assisted by Vice Rector III Norman Arie Prayogo, Head of Academic Affairs Eko Sumanto, and three private individuals: Dian Mulia Wardhana, Adhi Wiharto, and Mulyono, who is Akhmad Sodiq’s nephew.
The suspects are currently detained for an initial 20-day period from 21 August to 9 September 2026 at the KPK detention facility in the Merah Putih building. They are charged with violating provisions of the Corruption Eradication Law, specifically Article 12 letter e or Article 12B, in conjunction with the latest Criminal Code (KUHP).