EduAsiaNews, Jakarta – Taufiq Fredrik Pasiak, dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Jakarta Veterans National Development University (FK UPNVJ), has called for stronger internal solidarity and a constructive institutional stance in responding to ongoing developments at the university.
He made the appeal in a written statement addressed to three UPNVJ Academic Senate members representing the Faculty of Medicine on Friday (Nov. 6, 2026). He stressed the importance of maintaining unity, respecting the authority of the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, and ensuring that all institutional actions remain grounded in law and academic ethics.
The statement was addressed to Dr. dr. Abdul Kholib, M.H., dr. Lisa Safira, Sp.A(K)., and dr. Riezki Valentina Astari, Sp.S. As Academic Senate members representing the Faculty of Medicine, the three were urged to prioritize the university’s interests in carrying out their institutional responsibilities, particularly as the university faces circumstances requiring coordination and a common position.
In his statement, Taufiq emphasized that strengthening the institution’s bargaining position must begin with internal consolidation. Differences in views or interests, he said, should not undermine the unity of the academic community or weaken the institution.
“Without intending to oppose or challenge the authority of the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, I believe it is time for us to build a stronger, more dignified and more respected institutional bargaining position,” Taufiq said.
He said the situation facing UPNVJ required an approach that went beyond administrative communication. It called for more measured collective action, along with the courage to take a position while upholding legal requirements and the principles of higher education governance.
“We need steps that are more measured, united, smart and bold, while remaining within the bounds of the law and academic ethics,” he stressed.
While advocating a stronger institutional position, Taufiq clarified that this stance did not constitute a rejection of the government’s authority. Rather, he said, respect for the minister’s authority must go hand in hand with the university’s responsibility to ensure the continuity of higher education.
“We respect the minister’s authority. At the same time, we also have a moral and institutional responsibility to safeguard the dignity of the institution, certainty in governance and the future of Jakarta Veterans National Development University,” he said.
He further reminded the Academic Senate members and the wider academic community that their loyalty should be guided by the university’s long-term interests. This principle, he said, was essential to maintaining objectivity in decision-making and preventing individual or group interests from influencing institutional policy.
“Our primary loyalty and dedication must be to the institution, not to individuals, groups or short-term interests,” he said.
Taufiq also expressed hope that the Academic Senate members representing the Faculty of Medicine would strengthen internal communication and formulate collective steps constructively. He stressed that efforts to reinforce the institution’s position were not intended to create confrontation, but to pursue procedural certainty and fairness.
“We are not seeking confrontation. We are fighting for certainty, procedural justice and the continuity of the institution we care about,” he said.
At the end of his statement, Taufiq urged all UPNVJ Academic Senate members representing the Faculty of Medicine to make solidarity, rationality and institutional dignity the foundations of their collective stance.
“We must remain united, rational and dignified,” he concluded.
The appeal underscores the Faculty of Medicine leadership’s emphasis on internal unity, respect for government authority and the resolution of institutional issues through legitimate procedures. In the context of university governance, this approach is expected to help maintain academic stability and ensure the continued delivery of educational services to students and the wider community.
