Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — The Academic Senate and leadership of Jakarta Veterans National Development University (UPNVJ) have asked the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) to clarify delays in the university’s rector selection process, saying the ministry has yet to provide a clear explanation despite the completion of the required stages.
A delegation of 20 senate members and university officials visited the ministry on Nov. 12 to discuss the issue. The delegation included the Senate chair, vice rectors, the rector selection committee chair, faculty deans and lecturer representatives from across the university’s study programs.
However, the minister was away on official business outside Jakarta, prompting the delegation to plan another meeting to discuss the same matter.
“We want the selection process to be completed soon, and we are committed to assisting the minister in ensuring that it can be finalized as quickly as possible,” UPNVJ Vice Rector I Prof. Netty Herawati said.
Rector Selection Committee Chair Silvia Anggraeni said all stages of the selection had been conducted in accordance with applicable regulations. She added that the university was ready to assist the ministry in resolving any remaining obstacles.
UPNVJ Academic Senate Chair Irsyaf Marshal said a complaint alleging intimidation during the selection process had already been examined by the ministry and found to be unfounded.
He explained that ministry officials had questioned each Senate member individually during the clarification process but found no evidence of threats or intimidation. He maintained that the selection had been conducted fairly, transparently and democratically.
Irsyaf cited Directorate General of Higher Education Letter No. 4166/DST/B1/KP.05.02/2026 as evidence that the process could proceed. The letter referred to findings from a clarification conducted by the ministry’s Inspectorate General on Sept. 14, 2026, concerning complaints about UPNVJ governance and the rector selection.
According to Irsyaf, the ministry’s letter confirmed that the complaints had been clarified and that the selection stages could continue in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The Senate had completed the nomination and screening stages through a closed-door session, resulting in three candidates. Prof. Anter Venus received 30 votes, while Prof. Abdul Halim and Prof. Memen Kustiawan each received two votes.
The results were submitted to the ministry on Aug. 3, 2026.
UPNVJ Academic Senate member S. Bekti Istiyanto said the prolonged delay required an official explanation, particularly because the ministry had previously approved the continuation of the selection process.
“Clarity is needed to maintain the academic community’s confidence in a process that has been carried out in accordance with regulations,” he said.
The Senate is urging Kemendiktisaintek to provide certainty on the appointment process for UPNVJ’s 2026–2030 rectorate. The university considers a timely resolution important for leadership stability, transparent governance and continuity in academic activities. (*)
