Student clashes prompt USK to switch to online lectures in the Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Agriculture
Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) has taken firm action in the wake of clashes between students from the Faculty of Agriculture (FP) and the Faculty of Engineering (FT) on Thursday, 21 May. For the time being, academic activities in both faculties have been shifted to an online learning system.
The policy is set out in official notification number 1365/UN11/PK.01.03/2026 addressed to all members of the FT and FP USK. The online learning arrangement is scheduled to run from 21 to 26 May 2026.
Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at USK, Professor Heru Fahlevi, explained that the policy was taken as a precautionary measure to safeguard campus calm. Although conducted remotely, USK assured that the academic process would continue in accordance with the standards in place.
“This policy is a temporary step to ensure that learning remains effective without disregarding the comfort and safety of the academic community,” Professor Heru told Media Indonesia on Saturday, 23 May.
During the adjustment period, all teaching activities would be conducted online through mechanisms arranged by each study programme. Professor Fahlevi also urged lecturers to continue providing mentorship to students by maximising the use of digital learning platforms.
On-site observations by Media Indonesia suggested the campus atmosphere around USK Banda Aceh was currently stable. There were no large crowds of students seen in the aftermath of the incident.
The Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Entrepreneurship at USK, Dr. Rina Suryani Oktari, stressed the importance of cooling tensions to prevent further conflict. She also called for all parties to respect the ongoing legal processes.
“We hope the situation will cool further and not be inflamed by unfounded issues. Our focus now is on calming the atmosphere, and we respect the legal processes underway,” Dr. Oktari said.
The university hopes that the academic environment can return to normal as soon as possible so that face-to-face teaching can resume in due course after the evaluation period ends. (H-3).