Prof. Oktovian Visits the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education, Objecting to the Dismissal of the Rector of Unsrat

Prof. Dr. Ir. Oktovian Berty Alexander Sompie, M.Eng-IPU, ASEAN Eng., together with his lawyer visited the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education in Jakarta. (Photo: Ist)

JAKARTA - The controversy over the replacement of the Rector of the Sam Ratulangi University (Unsrat) Manado has entered a new phase. Prof. Dr. Ir. Oktovian Berty Alexander Sompie, M.Eng-IPU, ASEAN Eng., together with his legal representative visited the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) in Jakarta to convey his objection to his dismissal as Rector of Unsrat for the period 2022-2026.

The dismissal was carried out through the Decree of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Number 174/M/KEP/2026. At the same time, the Ministry of Higher Education appointed Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc. as Acting Rector of Unsrat through Order Letter Number 18922/M/KPT.KP/2026.

Jamaluddin Jompa is known to still serve as the Rector of Hasanuddin University (Unhas) for the period 2026-2030.

In the objection submitted, Prof. Oktovian and the Unsrat party assessed that the dismissal process was allegedly not carried out according to the applicable mechanism and procedure. They questioned the legal certainty aspect and the governance of universities in the decision on the change of leadership.

Prof. Oktovian's lawyer, Dodi S. Abdulkadir, said the dismissal was allegedly not in accordance with the provisions of the law.

"That is not in accordance with Law Number 30 of 2014 concerning Government Administration and Law Number 12 of 2012 concerning Higher Education," he said, through a press statement, Monday, August 10.

This objection, according to the Unsrat party, is not merely a matter of maintaining a position, but is related to the principle of the rule of law, legal certainty, and the implementation of transparent, accountable, professional, and ethical governance of higher education.

Apart from questioning the dismissal process, Unsrat academic staff also highlighted the appointment of Jamaluddin Jompa as Acting Rector. The reason is, Jamaluddin is still active as Rector of Unhas so that he is currently carrying out two strategic positions at two state universities.

This condition is considered potentially causing conflicts of interest or perceptions of conflicts of interest. The Unsrat considers that this situation can affect independence, objectivity of decision-making, and the supervision mechanism in the university environment.

The change of leadership at Unsrat will take effect on August 5, 2026. Unsrat Spokesperson, Max Rembang, previously confirmed that Jamaluddin Jompa had been appointed as the Acting Rector of Unsrat.

Meanwhile, the administrative objection filed by Prof. Oktovian and Unsrat academicians was submitted ahead of the selection and election stage of the Rector of Unsrat for the 2026-2030 period.

The Unsrat hopes that the rector election process will continue to be conducive by upholding institutional stability and legal certainty. They also emphasized that they would respect the legal process that is underway.

However, if the administrative objection does not receive a response from the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Brian Yuliarto, Prof. Oktovian's lawyer stated that his party would consider further legal steps through the courts.

This step was taken as an effort to ensure that the process of replacing the Rector of Unsrat runs in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations, as well as maintaining the dignity and governance of the university.