Mataram, University of Mataram – The University of Mataram (Unram) conducted the election for the Rector Candidate for the 2026–2030 term during a Special Senate Meeting on Thursday, January 8, 2025, at the Senate Conference Room, Rectorate of Unram. This election marked the final stage in the series of processes for selecting the Rector of Unram, in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations.

The three rector candidates who took part in the election process were Prof. Dr. Sukardi, S.Pd., M.Pd. (candidate number 1); Prof. Dr. Kurniawan, S.H., M.Hum. (candidate number 2); and Prof. Muhamad Ali, S.Pt., M.Si., Ph.D. (candidate number 3). All candidates had previously undergone the screening and selection stages conducted by the Unram Senate.

The election was carried out through a voting mechanism involving members of the Unram Senate together with the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (Mendiktisaintek RI) or an appointed representative. In this election, the Minister was represented by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd. In accordance with the regulations governing rector elections at state universities, the Minister’s vote carried a weight of 35 percent, while the votes of the Unram Senate accounted for 65 percent.

In his remarks, the Rector of Unram, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D., conveyed his appreciation for the presence of the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, who attended in person during the election process for the Rector of Unram for the 2026–2030 term. He emphasized that all stages of the election were conducted in an orderly and smooth manner, fully in accordance with the prevailing regulations.

“Unram is currently undergoing a democratic process on campus. This democracy must be safeguarded collectively so that it remains healthy, dignified, and focused on the ideas and visions presented by the candidates.”

He further emphasized that differences of opinion during the election are a natural part of academic life. However, such differences must be addressed with maturity and should not disrupt the unity of the institution. The Rector affirmed, “Whoever is ultimately elected will represent the best choice, and we must unite in providing full support for the advancement of Unram.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd., in his remarks conveyed that the election of a rector is an essential part of the leadership regeneration process within a university organization.

He stated, “The election of a rector is an inevitability within an organization as part of the regeneration process. Through this mechanism, the continuity of leadership and the future direction of the institution are determined.”

He also conveyed greetings and a message from the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia to the entire academic community of Unram, while expressing his hope that Unram will continue to grow and advance in the future. According to him, the election of a rector is, in essence, a process of choosing the university’s future.

“We are choosing for the future. A rector leads a vast institution comprising tens of thousands of people, and therefore strong commitment, integrity, and consistency are indispensable.”

Based on the official vote tally, candidate number 1, Prof. Dr. Sukardi, S.Pd., M.Pd., secured 68 votes, followed by candidate number 3, Prof. Muhamad Ali, S.Pt., M.Si., Ph.D., with 14 votes, and candidate number 2, Prof. Dr. Kurniawan, S.H., M.Hum., with 9 votes. With this result, Prof. Dr. Sukardi, S.Pd., M.Pd. obtained the highest number of votes in the election for Rector of Unram for the 2026–2030 term

The entire election process was carried out in an orderly and smooth manner, adhering to the principles of objectivity, transparency, and accountability. Unram remains committed to upholding the integrity of the leadership selection process as part of its efforts to strengthen institutional governance and ensure the continuity of university leadership in the future.