USK Aceh Rector Speaks Out on Student Clashes that Ended in Fires
Inter-student clashes are suspected to have caused the burning of several facilities at the Faculty of Agriculture of Syiah Kuala University (USK) in Banda Aceh, Aceh, in the early hours of Thursday, 21 May, Western Indonesian Time. The Criminal Investigation Unit of Banda Aceh City Police has begun investigating the clashes that culminated in arson, and the university has also spoken.
USK Rector Prof. Mirza Tabrani urged all parties on campus to maintain a conducive atmosphere following the clashes between student groups on the campus. “The leadership of Syiah Kuala University (USK) has coordinated and is awaiting the results of the authorities’ investigation into the clashes that occurred among student groups on the USK campus,” Prof. Mirza said in Banda Aceh on Thursday, quoted by Antara. He urged the entire academic community to refrain from actions or other things that could worsen the situation, while continuing to prioritise persuasive, courteous, and constructive communication.
The university has also coordinated with faculty leadership, campus security, and the authorities to enhance security on campus and to mitigate and anticipate potential security disturbances in the future.
“We appreciate the attention and concern of all members of the academic community for our cherished campus, the heart of the Acehnese people. Let us work together to keep the campus safe, conducive, and under control so that teaching and learning can proceed as usual,” he said.
USK also asked for support from lecturers to remind and guide students to uphold prudent attitudes, maintain academic ethics, and not to be easily swayed by information that could incite unrest.
The Rector also urged that any potential security disturbances on campus be mitigated and anticipated and coordinated with faculty leadership or university authorities.
“If violations of the established rules are found, disciplinary action should be taken in accordance with the Rector Regulations of Syiah Kuala University in force,” he said.
“Thank you for the cooperation and concern of all parties who have committed to upholding ukhuwah values, including campus security and order,” concluded the Rector.
Earlier, USK also issued Rector Regulation Number 15 of 2025 on the Syiah Kuala University Student Code of Ethics, which governs the conduct of the academic community to uphold honesty, responsibility, discipline, and ethics in teaching, research, and social interaction within the campus environment.
Police Investigation
The Criminal Investigation Unit of Banda Aceh City Police is investigating the burning of several facilities at the Faculty of Agriculture of Syiah Kuala University (USK) in Banda Aceh following clashes between local students, in the early hours of Thursday, 21 May.
“We are currently conducting an on-site assessment to determine the initial source of the fire that burned the Faculty of Agriculture building, motorcycles, and the USK security post,” said Police Senior Commissioner Miftahuda Dizha Fezuono on Thursday. In addition, investigators continue to identify the actors or perpetrators of the clashes that led to the damage at the university.
“We will continue to pursue this case to uncover the perpetrators who caused the damage to educational facilities,” said Senior Commissioner Dhiza.
Meanwhile, Banda Aceh City Police Public Relations Head, Iptu Eddy Musfikar, explained that based on preliminary investigations, the clash between the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Engineering occurred about two days earlier and escalated to a peak in the early hours of Thursday.
“Two student groups from the Faculty of Agriculture and Engineering clashed about two days earlier. The clashes continued for several hours before the area burned,” he said.
It was also revealed that at least three Engineering students were injured and needed medical treatment. In response, other Engineering students retaliated by throwing stones and also bringing Molotov cocktails to the Faculty of Agriculture, causing damage to the Faculty and its laboratories.
“The clash led to vandalism, with campus facilities such as glass windows and other rooms damaged. Three motorcycles and one car were also burned,” Iptu Eddy added.