Institut Teknologi Sumatera (Itera) in Bandar Lampung has selected five candidates for the university presidency for the period from 2026 to 2030, following a meticulous selection process from 13 candidates. The head of the candidate selection committee, Abdul Razak, confirmed that the screening process included a comprehensive review of all candidates' documents.
The five selected candidates are: Professor Dr. Aswan from the Bandung Institute of Technology, Professor Dr. Al-Fahmi from the same institute, Professor Dr. Faiz Shu'aib from the Bogor Agricultural Institute, Professor Dr. Fahami from North Sumatra University, and Professor Ismondar, PhD from the Bandung Institute of Technology.
Details of the Election Process
The next phase of the election process will begin on April 13, when the five candidates will be invited to present their vision and mission online. On April 20, the candidates will present their vision live to the academic community at Itera.
Subsequently, a closed meeting of the senate will take place on April 21 to select three final candidates, who will be chosen by 17 senators at Itera, with each senator entitled to vote three times. The vote distribution will be 65% for the senate and 35% for the ministry, meaning the final decision will rest with the ministry.
Background & Context
Institut Teknologi Sumatera was established in 2014 and is considered one of the leading educational institutions in Indonesia. The institute aims to provide high-quality education in technology and engineering fields, relying on the development of research and innovations that contribute to the sustainable development of the region.
This election comes at a critical time for the institute, as it seeks to enhance its academic standing and expand its educational programs. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of enrolled students, reflecting the growing interest in higher education in Indonesia.
Impact & Consequences
The selection of a new university president is a vital step that will influence the future of education in the region. The new president will play a significant role in guiding academic policies and strengthening partnerships with local and international institutions.
This election also reflects a trend towards enhancing transparency and democracy in decision-making processes within educational institutions, which may encourage more universities to adopt a similar approach.
Regional Significance
While this news may seem relevant only to Indonesia, it has broader implications regarding the development of higher education in developing countries. Arab universities can benefit from these experiences in promoting transparency and participation in decision-making processes.
Given the challenges facing higher education in the Arab region, these experiences could serve as an inspiration for improving educational systems and enhancing the quality of education.