Students Seal UINSA Surabaya Campus, Demanding Rector's Resignation
Hundreds of students from the State Islamic University of Sunan Ampel (UINSA) Surabaya sealed their campus on Monday (21/9). This action is the culmination of days of demonstrations demanding that Rector Achmad Muzakki resign from his position.
Observations at the site showed that the main campus gate on Jalan Ahmad Yani, Wonocolube, Surabaya, was tightly closed. A banner containing demands for the rector’s resignation was prominently displayed.
“This campus is sealed until Muzakki steps down. We will remain here until Muzakki steps down and UINSA is reset,” read the banner posted at the campus entrance.
In addition to the gate blockade, students have occupied the rectorate building, conducting rotating orations and burning objects in the building’s courtyard.
Koko Qurrahman Prakoso, the field coordinator and Secretary 1 of the Tarbiyah Commissariat of PMII South Surabaya Branch, stated that the sealing is a form of severe condemnation. The masses feel ignored because the rector has failed to meet them since the demonstrations began.
“We have sealed the front entrance. This serves as a serious warning for us because for three days now, we have not been met by the Rector, Prof. Muzakki, himself,” Koko said at the location.
He emphasised that the decision to close the main campus access aims to apply direct pressure on the UINSA leadership to listen to student demands.
Students had previously been met by university officials. However, the results of that mediation failed to provide answers to the demands brought by the protesters since Wednesday (16/9).
“Representatives from the Vice Rector and rectorate staff attended, but the response was unsatisfactory. It was unsatisfactory because the meeting should have been with the rector himself, Prof. Muzakki,” he explained.
Koko noted that the action involves hundreds of protesters from various student groups within UINSA. He stated that the majority of students believe the current campus leadership is problematic and must end immediately.
“There are over 300 people from all elements of UINSA students. What we want is for him to step down, because many irregularities have occurred during Prof. Muzakki’s term. We are aware of the many bad things that have happened since the start of his period,” he said.
Regarding academic activities during the sealing, Koko ensured that lectures could still proceed. The organisers have provided an alternative route for students and lecturers who wish to conduct teaching and learning activities.
“Lectures are still ongoing because our responsibility as students is academic. Lectures continue as usual, but for those who wish to enter, there is one small alternative entrance through the lecturers’ alley. If lecturers and students wish to enter, they can use that path, though parking remains an individual concern,” Koko added.
He also noted that the protesters are striving to ensure the demonstration remains safe without disturbing the comfort of other members of the academic community.
“Some lecturers have chosen to teach online, perhaps fearing for the safety of their students during protests. However, we are trying to keep things conducive and ensure no bad incidents occur,” he explained.
Moving forward, students plan to hold further protests and discussions to determine their next strategic steps. They are also urging the Ministry of Religious Affairs to intervene and evaluate the ongoing polemic at the university.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of the UINSA Student Executive Council, Fadlurrakhman Fazle Purwardana, stated that the sealing of the campus gates began at 06:00 WIB. He specifically highlighted the cessation of activities within the sealed area.
“Our campus is sealed. There are no lecture activities today,” Fadlurrahman confirmed.
He explained that strict rules are being enforced for anyone attempting to enter the campus area. Students are required to show identification, while the movement of staff is restricted.
“For educational staff, they are only permitted to enter for attendance purposes. Vehicles must be parked outside,” he said.
For context, this student protest carries eight main demands. In addition to demanding the rector’s removal, they are calling for transparency regarding the formation of the Public Information Management and Documentation Officer (PPID), investigations into the Kopertais case, and an evaluation of facilities for new students. Students are also protesting campus policies such as the determination of Single Tuition Fees (UKT), student admission capacity, and curfew regulations.