EduAsiaNews, Jakarta – The University of Indonesia (UI) held a communal iftar gathering between the Rector of UI and the Student Executive Bodies (BEM) from across the university at the UI Satellite Office in Rawamangun, Jakarta, on Friday (14/3). The event served as a moment of fellowship as well as a platform for dialogue between the university leadership and students.
During the occasion, BEM chairpersons from the university level and various faculties engaged in direct discussions with the Rector of UI, Heri Hermansyah, regarding a range of student affairs issues and the development of student organizations at UI.
The Rector emphasized that students are important partners in fostering a dynamic campus life. Therefore, open communication between the university leadership and student organizations must continue to be maintained.
“There should be no notion that you cannot meet with me. As the rector—much like a parent to you on campus—I ensure that I am accessible to students,” said Prof. Heri.
On that occasion, the Rector also presented several initiatives to support the development of student activists. Among them is a plan for an international benchmarking program for BEM leaders across UI to study student organization practices at universities around the world.
In addition, UI is also considering a scholarship scheme for high-achieving BEM activists, as well as exploring potential curriculum adjustments to ensure that students actively involved in organizations can still complete their studies successfully.
The issue of Single Tuition Fees (UKT) was also part of the discussion. The Rector reaffirmed the university’s commitment to ensuring that no student is prevented from continuing their studies due to financial constraints.
UI will continue to develop various solutions, ranging from scholarship programs and funding collaborations through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to installment-based tuition payment schemes.
The 2026 Chair of BEM UI, Yatalathof Ma’shum Imawan, welcomed the constructive dialogue fostered during the event. According to him, forums such as this are important for strengthening communication between students and the university leadership.
“Forums like this provide space for students to engage directly with the university leadership. We hope that this communication can continue to be maintained,” he said.
Vice Chair of BEM UI, Fathimah Azzahra, also emphasized that student activism is an integral part of the learning process in leadership and service.
The event was also attended by several members of the university leadership, including Hamdi Muluk (Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Students, and Alumni), Yudi Ariesta Chandra (Head of the Office of Student Organizations), Erwin Agustian Panigoro (Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Affairs), Dadan Erwandi (Director of Student Affairs and Alumni), and Chudry Sitompul (Director of the Executive Secretariat), along with faculty-level BEM leaders from across UI. Their presence reinforced the significance of the event as a forum for togetherness and consolidation between students and university leadership.
Through this activity, UI hopes that dialogue between the university leadership and students will continue to be strengthened, enabling ideas and aspirations to become part of a collective effort to build an inclusive and collaborative campus environment.
