UINSA Surabaya students protest rector appointment, disrupting campus

Students at UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya (UINSA) have staged protests, including sealing campus gates and burning tires, to demand the resignation of Rector Achmad Muzakki. The demonstrations follow his inauguration for a second term, which protesters claim lacks legitimacy and transparency. The unrest has caused significant disruptions to academic activities at the university.

In response to the escalating conflict, members of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) have called for urgent intervention. During a public hearing with the UINSA Communication Forum, lawmakers urged the Ministry of Religious Affairs to conduct an independent evaluation of the rector's appointment and the university's governance.

Legislators emphasized the need for transparent dialogue involving students, faculty, and alumni to resolve issues regarding academic rights and institutional integrity. Some officials suggested that if serious violations are found during an evaluation, the Ministry should take necessary steps, including potential leadership changes, to restore public trust and academic stability.