Universities Must Be Free from Political Interference
Universities must remain free from political interference, as discussed during a cross-sector civil society consolidation in Samarinda organised by the East Kalimantan Education Moral Movement Forum.
The event, attended by around 39 organisations, religious figures, traditional leaders, cultural figures, academics, and youth groups, focused on safeguarding campuses as spaces free from politics.
Universitas Mulawarman’s rector, Professor Abdunnur, attended the forum, which was deemed crucial for opening dialogue channels and conveying stakeholders’ aspirations regarding education in East Kalimantan, particularly at his institution.
The forum views Universitas Mulawarman not merely as a higher education institution but as a symbol of East Kalimantan’s educational prestige that must be jointly protected from any interests threatening academic independence. Discussions also included hopes for a smooth and politically unimpeded rector election process at the university.
‘When practical politics enters the campus, it’s not just the system that suffers, but public trust too. This is a red line that must not be crossed,’ said Syaharie Jaang, Chairman of the National Unity Forum, in a statement on Monday (25 May).
Attendees also signed a joint statement committing to uphold the independence of higher education, reject campus politicisation, and ensure a clean, objective, and dignified rector election process at Universitas Mulawarman. The forum confirmed the statement will be directly submitted to the president.
Universities bear significant responsibility for producing academically competent graduates capable of adapting to workforce changes and digital transformation.
Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology Brian Yuliarto stressed the importance of collaboration between universities and industry to support economic transformation towards Golden Indonesia 2045.
Universitas Mercu Buana has reinforced its commitment to supporting sustainable UMKM transformation in the green and digital economy through community service activities.
BCA Director Hendra Tanumihardja stated that the BBI (BCA Share Knowledge) programme exemplifies the private sector’s commitment to supporting education.