Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) has a Board of Trustees (Majelis Wali Amanat or MWA), which is an institutional body responsible for formulating, developing, and establishing policies, providing advice on the implementation of general policies, and overseeing non-academic affairs.

The UNP Board of Trustees consists of 17 members representing various institutional and stakeholder groups: one representative of the Minister, the Rector, the Chair of the University Academic Senate, seven faculty representatives, one educational staff representative, one alumni representative, four community representatives, and one student representative.

The procedures governing the selection and appointment of MWA members are regulated under Chapter III of the Regulation of the Board of Trustees of Universitas Negeri Padang No. 107/UN35.MWA/HK/2022 concerning Procedures for the Appointment and Dismissal of Members, the Chair, the Vice Chair, and the Secretary of the Board of Trustees. This regulation provides the formal legal framework for the process of determining MWA membership.

The appointment of MWA members for the 2021–2026 term was initially formalized through the Decree of the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia No. 90200/MPK.A/KP.06.06/2021, dated 17 December 2021.

In 2025, the MWA membership was updated through Decree of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia No. 108/M/KEP/2025 concerning the Dismissal and Appointment of Members of the Board of Trustees of Universitas Negeri Padang for the 2021–2026 Term. Under this decree, Salsabila Tri Rahmi was dismissed as the student representative, and Aura Ashelia was appointed to replace her as the student representative for the remainder of the term.

Through its regulatory framework and membership structure, UNP provides representation for students, faculty, and educational staff within its highest governing body. This representation enables different university constituencies to participate in institutional governance and decision-making.

Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) formally recognizes and supports student organizations at the university, faculty, and departmental levels. These organizations serve as platforms for student representation, leadership development, participation in university activities, and the expression of students' academic, political, and welfare interests.

Student organizations at Universitas Negeri Padang operate at three different levels:

1. University Level

At the university level, UNP recognizes the following student organizations:

• Student Executive Board (Badan Eksekutif Mahasiswa Universitas Negeri Padang/BEM UNP) – Instagram: @bemkmunp
• Student Representative Council (Majelis Permusyawaratan Mahasiswa/MPM UNP) – Instagram: @MPMKMUNP
• Robotics Student Activity Unit (UKM Robotik) – Instagram: @robotic_unp
• Foreign Languages Student Activity Unit (UKM Bahasa Asing) – Instagram: @ukba_unp

The following is the complete list of university-level Student Activity Units (Unit Kegiatan Mahasiswa/UKM) at Universitas Negeri Padang, as stipulated in Rector’s Decree of Universitas Negeri Padang Number 0222/UN35/HK.03.01/2025.”

1. Faculty Level

At the faculty level, student organizations represent and coordinate student activities within their respective faculties. For example:

• Student Executive Board of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (BEM FMIPA UNP) – Instagram: @bemfmipakm.unp

1. Department Level

At the departmental level, students are represented through departmental student associations (Himpunan Mahasiswa Departemen/HMD), which organize academic, social, and extracurricular activities. Examples include:

• Mathematics Student Association (HMD Matematika UNP) – Instagram: @hmd.matematika_unp
• English Department Student Association (HMD Bahasa Inggris UNP) – Instagram: @hmd.basingunp

Through this organizational structure, Universitas Negeri Padang demonstrates its recognition of student organizations as an important part of university life. These organizations provide opportunities for students to express their aspirations, represent their interests, develop leadership skills, and participate in various academic and non-academic activities.

Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) has established institutional policy directions and operational procedures to support the identification, engagement, and collaboration of external stakeholders, particularly local communities, government institutions, industry, and other relevant partners. These frameworks support the university’s commitment to ensuring that its community engagement and partnership activities respond to local needs and contribute to sustainable regional development.

1. Strategic Policy for Community Engagement

The UNP Community Service Strategic Plan (Rencana Strategis Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat) 2025–2029, established through Rector Regulation No. 08 of 2025, provides a strategic framework for implementing community service activities based on community needs and institutional priorities.

The strategic plan emphasizes the importance of identifying local development challenges, understanding community needs, and establishing partnerships with relevant external stakeholders. These stakeholders may include local governments, community organizations, industry, educational institutions, and other partners involved in addressing social, economic, environmental, and development issues.

Through this framework, UNP seeks to align its community engagement programmes with local priorities and promote collaboration between university expertise and the needs of communities and regional institutions.

1. Operational Procedures for External Cooperation

UNP’s Cooperation Standard Operating Procedures (SOP Kerja Sama) complement the strategic plan by providing operational guidance for establishing and managing institutional partnerships with external organizations.

The cooperation procedures serve as a framework for identifying potential partners, initiating communication, exploring shared interests, preparing cooperation agreements, implementing agreed activities, and monitoring and evaluating partnership outcomes, where these stages are specified in the applicable SOP.

These procedures help ensure that cooperation activities are conducted in an organized and accountable manner, with clear responsibilities and coordination between the university and its external partners. They also provide a basis for maintaining relationships with government agencies, local institutions, community organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.

The following are UNP’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for cooperation with government institutions and prospective partners from the business and industrial sectors.

Other SOP documents can be accessed through the following link.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dsfVFrqAn17bATVkf2b5uDYLv0njW2XR

1. Integrated Approach to Stakeholder Identification and Engagement

Together, the Community Service Strategic Plan 2025–2029 and the Cooperation SOP provide complementary policy and procedural foundations for UNP’s engagement with external stakeholders.

The strategic plan establishes the direction for identifying community needs and aligning university programmes with local development priorities, while the cooperation procedures guide the formal process of initiating and managing partnerships. This combination supports a more systematic approach to stakeholder engagement, helping UNP connect its academic expertise, research, and community service activities with the needs and priorities of external partners.

Through these institutional frameworks, UNP strengthens its capacity to develop relevant partnerships, encourage stakeholder participation, and support collaborative initiatives that contribute to community welfare and regional development.

Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) provides a formal governance structure for stakeholder representation and engagement through its Board of Trustees (Majelis Wali Amanat or MWA). The MWA is an institutional body responsible for formulating and establishing policies, providing advice on the implementation of general policies, and overseeing non-academic affairs.

The UNP Board of Trustees consists of 17 members representing various institutional and stakeholder groups: one representative of the Minister, the Rector, the Chair of the University Academic Senate, seven faculty representatives, one educational staff representative, one alumni representative, four community representatives, and one student representative.

Community participation in UNP governance is further reflected in the appointment of Sudarsono, S.H., LL.M., who represents the community constituency and serves as Vice Chair of the MWA. This strategic position demonstrates that community representation is reflected not only in the membership composition of the MWA but also in the leadership of the university’s highest governing body. As Vice Chair, Sudarsono supports the Chair in leading and coordinating the MWA’s operational activities, facilitating MWA meetings, and carrying out the Chair’s duties when necessary. This leadership role provides an opportunity for community perspectives to contribute to the governance and functioning of the MWA.

The appointment of MWA members for the 2021–2026 term was established through Ministerial Decree No. 90200/MPK.A/KP.06.06/2021, dated 17 December 2021. The procedures for appointing and dismissing MWA members are regulated under Chapter III of Regulation of the Board of Trustees of Universitas Negeri Padang No. 107/UN35.MWA/HK/2022.

The official MWA UNP website also documents the organizational structure and responsibilities of the MWA leadership, including the roles of the Vice Chair and Secretary in coordinating operational activities and supporting the conduct of MWA meetings. This structure provides an institutional foundation for stakeholder representation and university governance.

Through the representation of four community members and the appointment of a community representative as Vice Chair of the MWA, UNP provides a formal channel for community perspectives to be incorporated into its governance structure. This arrangement supports the relationship between the university and the wider community and strengthens the foundation for stakeholder engagement in institutional governance and decision-making.

Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) demonstrates its institutional commitment to integrity, transparency, accountability, and the prevention of corruption and bribery through formal regulations, institutional integrity initiatives, reporting mechanisms, and anti-corruption education. These measures support the development of an ethical institutional culture and strengthen responsible governance within the university.

1. Formal Institutional Policy on Gratification Control

UNP’s formal commitment to preventing corruption-related misconduct is reflected in Rector Regulation of Universitas Negeri Padang No. 03 of 2020 concerning Gratification Control within Universitas Negeri Padang (Peraturan Rektor Universitas Negeri Padang Nomor 03 Tahun 2020 tentang Pengendalian Gratifikasi di Lingkungan Universitas Negeri Padang).

This regulation provides an institutional framework for controlling gratification and promoting ethical conduct within the university. It supports efforts to prevent practices that may compromise impartiality, accountability, and institutional integrity, including gratification-related practices associated with corruption and bribery.

The regulation is listed through UNP’s official Public Information and Documentation Management (PPID) website, providing a public reference to the university’s formal policy. It serves as the primary documentary evidence of UNP’s institutional principles and commitment to gratification control.

1. Integrity Zone and Corruption Prevention Initiatives

UNP further demonstrates its commitment to preventing corruption through its Bureaucratic Reform and Integrity Zone initiatives (Reformasi Birokrasi dan Zona Integritas, RB-ZI).

In 2025, UNP’s RB-ZI team undertook activities in preparation for the assessment toward the Corruption-Free Zone designation (Wilayah Bebas dari Korupsi, WBK). The initiative, reported on UNP’s official website, reflects institutional efforts to strengthen integrity practices and improve readiness for the evaluation of corruption-prevention measures.

These activities complement the university’s formal gratification-control regulation by promoting integrity and accountability in institutional administration. The university’s Integrity Zone documentation, including relevant integrity commitments and evaluation materials published by its faculties, further illustrates efforts to translate institutional principles into organizational practices.

https://www.unp.ac.id/hadapi-penilaian-zi-menuju-wbk-tahun-2025-tim-rb-zi-unp-lakukan-penyegaran/

https://fk.unp.ac.id/dokumen-zi/

https://fmipa.unp.ac.id/fmipa/zona-integritas/

1. Integrity Pacts and Commitments to Ethical Conduct

Integrity Pacts (Pakta Integritas) and Integrity Zone commitment documents published through UNP faculty websites provide additional references for examining the university’s commitment to ethical conduct and responsible public service.

Such documents can support the institutional anti-corruption framework where they explicitly establish commitments to integrity, compliance, prevention of misconduct, and rejection of improper benefits. They complement the Rector Regulation on Gratification Control by demonstrating how integrity commitments may be communicated and implemented at the faculty or organizational-unit level.

1. Reporting Mechanisms and Whistleblowing

UNP faculty Integrity Zone document repositories also provide references to Whistleblowing System (WBS) materials. A whistleblowing mechanism can support corruption prevention by providing a channel for reporting suspected misconduct and helping an institution address violations of its ethical and administrative standards.

The availability of WBS-related documentation provides a potential supporting reference for UNP’s integrity framework. The scope, accessibility, and operational status of the reporting mechanism should be established from the relevant official documents before making specific claims about its implementation.

https://fmipa.unp.ac.id/fmipa/back-up-dokumen-zi/

1. Anti-Corruption Education

UNP complements its formal regulations and integrity initiatives through anti-corruption education. The Pendidikan Anti Korupsi (Anti-Corruption Education) course is available through BASIGI, UNP’s digital learning platform.

The course provides an educational channel for promoting awareness of corruption prevention and ethical conduct. This educational component complements the university’s formal policy framework by supporting awareness-building and the development of integrity-related values within the learning environment.

https://basigi.unp.ac.id/basigi/course/mk-47940

1. Strategic Commitment to Bureaucratic Reform

UNP’s institutional commitment is also reflected in its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan (Rencana Strategis UNP 2025–2029), which refers to bureaucratic reform and the development of Integrity Zones toward WBK/WBBM designation in university work units.

The inclusion of these initiatives in the university’s strategic planning framework provides broader institutional context for its efforts to strengthen governance, accountability, and integrity. It demonstrates that corruption prevention and bureaucratic reform form part of the university’s organizational development agenda.

Overall Institutional Commitment

Through its formal regulation on gratification control, Integrity Zone initiatives, integrity commitment documents, whistleblowing-related materials, anti-corruption education, and strategic planning, Universitas Negeri Padang demonstrates a documented institutional commitment to preventing gratification-related misconduct, corruption, and bribery.

Together, these measures provide evidence of UNP’s efforts to promote ethical conduct, strengthen institutional accountability, and support transparent and responsible university governance. The evidence is most directly relevant to corruption and bribery prevention. Specific claims concerning organized crime should be supported by an additional policy or official document that explicitly addresses organized criminal activity.

Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) formally recognizes and protects academic freedom, freedom of the academic pulpit, and scientific autonomy through Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 114 of 2021 concerning Universitas Negeri Padang as a Legal Entity State University. This regulation establishes the institutional framework for UNP's autonomous management of academic and non-academic affairs and provides a formal legal basis for academic freedom in the university's implementation of the Three Pillars of Higher Education (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi).

Article 21 explicitly states that UNP upholds academic freedom, freedom of the academic pulpit, and scientific autonomy in carrying out higher education's Three Pillars, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. It also stipulates that these principles are subject to an academic code of ethics applicable to the university's academic community.

Article 22 requires the Rector to guarantee that every member of the academic community exercises scientific autonomy responsibly and in accordance with UNP's code of ethics and applicable institutional regulations.

cientific autonomy includes the autonomy of the academic community within a particular field of science and technology to discover, develop, communicate, and defend scientific truth according to established scientific principles, methods, and academic culture.

This provision provides a legal foundation for academic staff and researchers to pursue research interests, develop scientific knowledge, and communicate research findings within the framework of academic integrity and applicable regulations.

Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) demonstrates its commitment to supporting evidence-informed policymaking through the involvement of its academics, researchers, and university leaders in policy dialogues, government planning processes, and academic forums. In 2025, UNP's contributions were reflected at the local and regional, national, and international levels, particularly in disaster governance, education policy, and climate action.

1. Local and Regional Level

At the local and regional levels, UNP academics contributed their expertise to government policy formulation and planning processes. Lecturers from the Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, UNP, participated in the formulation of the Disaster Management Plan (Rencana Penanggulangan Bencana, RPB) for Kampar Regency. This involvement demonstrates the contribution of university expertise to regional disaster management planning and the strengthening of local disaster policies.

In addition, an UNP research team organized a focus group discussion and knowledge-sharing session with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Lima Puluh Kota Regency in October 2025. The discussion addressed disaster policy, institutional arrangements, and risk governance, supporting knowledge exchange and the development of evidence-informed approaches to regional disaster management.

1. National Level

At the national level, UNP contributed academic perspectives to discussions on education policy with Indonesia's legislative institutions. On 9 April 2025, UNP Rector Krismadinata, Ph.D., held a dialogue with Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Republik Indonesia, DPR RI). The discussion addressed educational issues, policies, regulations, and educational development in West Sumatra and Indonesia. This forum provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives and convey academic input to support improvements in the quality of national education.

Another contribution was made by Prof. Ganefri through his involvement in presenting three recommendations from the Indonesian Association of Education Scholars (Ikatan Sarjana Pendidikan Indonesia, ISPI) to Commission X of the DPR RI regarding the preparation of the Draft National Education System Bill (Rancangan Undang-Undang Sistem Pendidikan Nasional, RUU Sisdiknas). The recommendations addressed issues including the integration of academic and vocational education and the strengthening of vocational education pathways. This involvement illustrates the contribution of academic expertise to national education policy discussions.

1. International Level

At the international level, UNP contributes to knowledge exchange and sustainability dialogue through the participation of its academics in international forums. In 2025, Dr. Nofi Yendri was invited to serve as a guest panelist in a webinar on SDG 13: Climate Action, organized by Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Malaysia.

Through this forum, Dr. Nofi Yendri contributed academic perspectives and expertise on climate change and sustainability issues. His participation reflects UNP's engagement in international academic dialogue and supports knowledge exchange between higher education institutions in Indonesia and Malaysia to promote climate action.

Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) contributes to public outreach, general education, professional upskilling, and capacity building through academic expertise, technical training, policy-oriented discussions, and collaboration with government institutions. In 2025, UNP's activities addressed education policy, climate change, sustainable agriculture, environmental governance, and disaster risk reduction. These initiatives demonstrate the university's role in sharing scientific knowledge, strengthening institutional collaboration, and supporting evidence-informed approaches to public policy and program implementation.

1. Technical Training for Government Education Programs

From 30 June to 2 July 2025, UNP lecturers and an alumnus served as resource persons in the Technical Guidance Program for the 2025 Revitalization of Junior Secondary Schools, organized by the Directorate of Junior Secondary Schools under Indonesia's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

The program involved 156 participants representing 78 public and private junior secondary schools receiving revitalization support across West Sumatra, as well as representatives from education offices in 16 regencies and municipalities and the West Sumatra Center for Education Quality Assurance. The sessions covered the school revitalization program and the preparation of planning documents, followed by practical exercises in developing the required documentation.

Through this activity, UNP provided technical knowledge and practical guidance to support the implementation of a government education program. It demonstrates the university's contribution to strengthening the capabilities of education-sector stakeholders and public officials involved in school infrastructure planning and implementation.

1. Environmental Governance, Law Enforcement, and Disaster Risk Reduction

On 29 October 2025, researchers from UNP's Research Center for Policy, Governance, Development, and Empowerment, in collaboration with the Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, organized a focus group discussion and knowledge-sharing session on disaster policy, institutions, and risk governance. The activity was supported through the Research and Innovation for Advanced Indonesia (RIIM) Competitive Program funded by LPDP and BRIN.

The discussion involved the Head of the Lima Puluh Kota Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), researchers, BPBD personnel, and students. Topics included the disaster management cycle, institutional capacity, human resources, preparedness, emergency response, and rehabilitation and reconstruction. The discussion generated recommendations emphasizing stronger multi-stakeholder partnerships and improvements in disaster management policies and governance.

This activity demonstrates UNP's contribution to policy-oriented knowledge exchange involving a regional government agency. It provides evidence of academic engagement in discussions that can inform public-sector approaches to disaster risk management.

In addition, on 14 October 2025, UNP researchers conducted a focus group discussion to test the development of a policy design for Disaster-Resilient Urban Villages (Kelurahan Tangguh Bencana). The discussion involved disaster preparedness groups from Lolong Belanti, Purus, and Belakang Tangsi, as well as a national disaster risk reduction facilitator. Participants discussed the need for operational regulations, stronger community institutions, and participatory, research-based disaster risk reduction policies.

These activities illustrate UNP's role in connecting research, community participation, and policy development in disaster risk governance.

1. Contribution to Regional Low-Carbon Development Planning

In November 2025, UNP's Research Center for Climate Change participated in the process of strengthening the preparation of the West Sumatra Regional Low-Carbon Development Plan (Rencana Pembangunan Rendah Karbon Daerah, RPRKD), using the UI GreenMetric approach. The initiative supported regional efforts to align development planning with climate change mitigation and adaptation objectives.

UNP's involvement demonstrates the application of academic expertise to regional sustainability planning. This activity is particularly relevant to the indicator because regional low-carbon development planning requires the integration of scientific knowledge and climate considerations into public policy and development priorities.

1. Climate Action Dialogue and Environmental Policy

Dr. Nofi Yendri Sudiar also participated as a discussant in LRI TALK #3, entitled “Safeguarding Sumatra: Collaboration in Mitigation, Law Enforcement, and Ecosystem Restoration to Address Hydrometeorological Disasters.” The forum was organized by the International Research Institute for Environment and Climate Change at IPB University.

The discussion addressed cooperation in disaster mitigation, environmental law enforcement, and ecosystem restoration in response to hydrometeorological disasters. These issues are relevant to environmental governance, climate adaptation, and disaster risk reduction. Dr. Nofi Yendri's participation demonstrates UNP's contribution to academic dialogue and the dissemination of knowledge on climate-related policy challenges.

Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) undertakes policy-focused research in collaboration with government institutions to support evidence-based policymaking and strengthen local governance. On 29 October 2025, researchers from UNP’s Center for Research on Policy, Governance, Development and Empowerment, in collaboration with the Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and sharing session on “Disaster Risk Policy and Governance.”

The research activity was facilitated through the Research and Innovation for Advanced Indonesia (RIIM) Competitive Program, funded by Indonesia’s Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The discussion involved representatives of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Lima Puluh Kota Regency, UNP researchers, and students. It examined local government policies and institutional arrangements for disaster prevention and preparedness, emergency response, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.

The discussion generated research-based recommendations, including strengthening multi-stakeholder partnerships and improving the quality of disaster management policies and governance at the local government level. This initiative demonstrates UNP’s contribution to policy-oriented research conducted in engagement with government agencies, with the aim of informing and improving public policy and disaster risk management.

1. Institutional Commitment to Open Dialogue

Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) supports open academic discourse, civic engagement, and constructive discussion of public policy issues through forums involving university leaders, students, civil society representatives, policy researchers, and government stakeholders. These activities provide opportunities to examine public challenges, exchange perspectives, and discuss policy priorities within an academic environment.

Throughout 2025, UNP facilitated several forums addressing regional development, national education policy, and academic freedom. Together, these initiatives demonstrate the university's contribution to creating opportunities for critical discussion and dialogue on issues of public concern.

1. Dialogue with National Political Stakeholders: Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives

On 9 April 2025, UNP Rector Krismadinata, Ph.D., together with other university leaders, participated in a dialogue with Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). The meeting addressed issues concerning higher education partnerships with local governments, the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar programme, higher education operational funding, educational infrastructure, education standards, curriculum reform, amendments to education legislation, and the national education roadmap.

The meeting involved members of Commission X representing several political parties, including the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the United Development Party (PPP), and Golkar, alongside representatives of government institutions, including the Directorate General of Higher Education, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and other relevant agencies.

During the dialogue, the Rector responded to questions from parliamentary representatives concerning educational policy, regulations, and challenges facing education in West Sumatra. The discussion also addressed recommendations for improving the quality of national education and developing a roadmap toward Indonesia Emas 2045.

This engagement illustrates UNP's participation in dialogue involving political representatives and government stakeholders with different institutional and political affiliations. It provided an opportunity for academic leadership to contribute perspectives and recommendations to discussions on public policy.

1. Open Discussion of Regional Development and Public Policy: FORDIVISBAR 2025

On 27 May 2025, the Student Activity Unit for Social and Political Studies and Development (UK-WP2SOSPOL) at UNP organized the West Sumatra Activists Discussion Forum (FORDIVISBAR 2025) at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Hall on the UNP campus.

The forum, titled “Reviewing the First 100 Days of Infrastructure Development toward West Sumatra's Five-Year Development Targets,” brought together more than 350 activists from across West Sumatra. It was intended to provide a space for critical and reflective discussion of the regional government's initial infrastructure development achievements, future development priorities, and public policy.

The forum also facilitated the exchange of ideas, strengthened connections among activists, and broadened participants' understanding of public policy and regional development. By hosting a discussion led by a student organization within the university, UNP provided an institutional setting for civic engagement and critical examination of government development priorities.

FORDIVISBAR 2025 demonstrates UNP's role in supporting public discussion of government policies and regional challenges beyond formal decision-making institutions.

1. Protecting Academic Freedom and Encouraging Critical Debate

On 28 August 2025, UNP's Department of Sociology, in collaboration with The Indonesian Institute, Center for Public Policy Research, organized a public discussion entitled “Promoting Policies to Protect Academic Freedom in Higher Education Institutions in Indonesia.”

The event formed part of the dissemination of research on mapping academic freedom violations and developing policy recommendations for protecting academic freedom. Speakers included Adinda Tenriangke Muchtar, Executive Director of The Indonesian Institute; Dr. Reno Fernandes, an academic from UNP's Department of Sociology; and Widia Kemala Sari, representing the Campus Workers Union in West Sumatra. The discussion was attended by hundreds of students from communication, anthropology, and sociology education programmes.

Participants examined barriers to academic freedom, including regulatory, political, and campus cultural factors. The discussion also considered the responsibilities of government institutions, universities, lecturers, and students in protecting academic freedom and enabling the expression of academic ideas and criticism.

The event provided an opportunity to discuss freedom of expression, institutional responsibility, and policy measures to strengthen academic freedom. It is particularly relevant to the principle that universities should enable critical debate and discussion within an appropriate legal framework.