KPK Exposes Unsoed Rector Case, State University Audit Urged to Strengthen Education Governance

The uncovering of alleged corruption implicating the Rector of Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) is considered a potential momentum to strengthen the governance of state universities (PTN) in Indonesia.

Education observer Ina Liem believes that the law enforcement’s move to expose alleged irregularities within the campus environment actually opens space for the government to conduct a broader evaluation. According to her, the issue of higher education governance should not be viewed solely from a single case.

“In my opinion, this is actually a good precedent. Corruption in education did not only begin when the KPK arrested the Unsoed Rector. Corruption in our education sector is already systemic and massive, but so far relatively few cases have actually entered the legal process,” Ina told reporters on Friday, 28 August 2026.

According to Ina, oversight of state universities needs to be strengthened continuously. The government and law enforcement agencies are deemed not to need to wait for sting operations (OTT) or cases that become public highlights before conducting examinations.

She sees the Unsoed case as an entry point for a more comprehensive evaluation of state university governance.

“So do not wait for an OTT or a viral case before conducting an examination. The Unsoed case should be a momentum to conduct a thorough audit of state universities in Indonesia,” she said.

Such an audit, Ina said, can be part of efforts to ensure that university management runs transparently and accountably. The examination is also deemed necessary to cover a number of sectors with potential vulnerabilities.

“If only the campus that happened to be caught is examined, we are eradicating cases. Whereas I am sure there are still many state universities in Indonesia that need to be audited, starting from independent pathway student admissions, procurement of goods and services, aid funds, grant funds, and so on,” she said.

According to Ina, a comprehensive evaluation of state university management mechanisms is important so that the oversight system can continue to be improved. In this way, the government does not only act after problems occur, but can also strengthen preventive measures.

She considers governance reform important to maintain public trust in state higher education institutions.

“The more important question is, how healthy is the governance of our state universities?” Ina said.