Mataram, University of Mataram — The Senate of the University of Mataram officially determined five prospective candidates for the Rector of the Unram during a Special Senate Meeting held on Monday, 1 December 2025, in the Senate Conference Room of the Rectorate Building. The determination was followed by the formal assignment of candidate numbers and the signing of an Integrity Pact.

The Secretary of the Unram Senate, who also serves as Advisor to the Rector Election Committee, Dr. Muhaimin, S.H., M.Hum., explained that all stages of the rectoral election had proceeded smoothly since the registration period opened from 14–28 November 2025. Of the six applicants, the committee confirmed five prospective candidates who met all eligibility requirements.

“Alhamdulillah, the entire process has run smoothly without any major issues. Six individuals registered, and based on the committee’s verification, one applicant did not meet the requirements because they are still undergoing a moderate-level disciplinary sanction. This decision is in accordance with the Unram Senate Regulation Number 2 of 2025 and its amendments,” Muhaimin stated.

Rector Election Stages Proceed in Full Compliance with Regulations

Muhaimin explained that the next stage will be the dissemination of information regarding the prospective rector candidates, scheduled for 2–10 December 2025. This will be followed by the presentation of each candidate’s vision, mission, and work program on 11 December 2025. The Senate will then conduct the first round of assessment and selection on 18 December 2025 to determine the three candidates who will be submitted to the Minister.

“From these five prospective candidates, three will be shortlisted. Those three names will be submitted to the Minister from 21–24 December 2025,” he stated.

Next, a new drawing of ballot numbers for the three shortlisted candidates will be conducted on 29 December 2025 during a closed Senate meeting. Muhaimin emphasized that the meeting will not be open to media coverage, as it marks the beginning of the second stage of the election process.

The second-stage election, conducted jointly with the Minister or the Minister’s representative, will take place between 2–9 January 2026, depending on the Ministry’s scheduling. “The Minister holds 35% of the voting rights, while the remaining 65% belongs to the 59 members of the Senate. We are currently awaiting the Minister’s official schedule,” Muhaimin stated.

The results of the rector election will be submitted to the Minister on 12–14 January 2026, and the inauguration of the elected rector is scheduled to take place on 7 March 2026.

Committee Upholds Independence, Neutrality, and Professionalism

Responding to minor concerns regarding the committee’s independence, Muhaimin emphasized that the committee operates strictly in accordance with the rules. “The committee serves as an extension of the Unram Senate. We work objectively, neutrally, professionally, and fairly. We are not permitted to take sides. Our primary references are Unram Senate Regulations Numbers 2 and 3,” he asserted.

He further explained that every stage of the process is documented through official minutes, from registration and committee plenary meetings to the drawing of candidate numbers and the reports that will be submitted to the Minister. “We are not an institution like the General Elections Commission (KPU). The election of the rector is under the authority of the Unram Senate. The committee’s role is limited to assisting the Senate in administrative matters, receiving candidate applications, conducting verification, and facilitating the selection process. The actual election is carried out by the Senate together with the Minister,” he stated.

No External Interference

Responding to questions regarding the possibility of external intervention, Muhaimin firmly denied such concerns. “Senate members are lecturers, professors, deans, and institutional leaders. They are individuals who are firmly established in their professional standing and not easily influenced. Their voting rights are entirely independent,” he stated.

He also emphasized that all registrants are treated equally. The committee is even prohibited from rejecting any prospective applicant as long as they meet the requirements. “Anyone is allowed to register, but there will be a selection and verification of administrative qualifications. My instruction from the beginning was clear: accept all registrants do not turn anyone away,” he added.

Ongoing Legal Process Does Not Prevent Registration

Regarding one of the registrants currently undergoing a legal process at the Administrative Court (PTUN), Muhaimin clarified that such a process does not prevent anyone from registering.

“As long as there is no legally binding decision, an individual is still allowed to register. However, the verification of documents will ultimately determine whether they meet the requirements or not,” he explained.

Hopes for the Next Rector

Closing the interview, Muhaimin conveyed his expectations for the next elected rector.

“We hope the next rector can at least maintain the achievements of the current leadership ideally, improve them. Unram is growing rapidly: the number of full professors continues to rise, the university has achieved Superior accreditation status, and the campus atmosphere has become far more conducive and inspiring,” he said.