Exercising Democracy through Fair, Transparent Election of UIII Student Union

In a landmark event showcasing the spirit of democracy and student engagement, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) held its first-ever Student Union election on Friday, November 1, 2024. Organized by the UIII Office of Student Affairs and International Services, the election took place at the Lecture Hall on the 6th floor of the Rectorate Building and was attended by students from all four UIII faculties: Islamic Studies, Social Sciences, Economics and Business, and Education.

The election process included presentations from three candidate pairs, each sharing their vision and mission to lead the student body. The candidates were Muhammad Akbar Rahmadi (MPP on Climate Change) paired with Abdullahi Abubakar Muhammad (MA in Islamic Studies); Athar Uddin (MA in Political Science) with Habib Alfarisi (MA in Political Science); and Wildan Rofi’i (MA in Political Science) with Asheke Alaihi (MA in Political Science). Following the presentations, the candidates engaged in debates, where they addressed key student concerns and policy initiatives, after which the voting process commenced.

M. Rifqi Muna, PhD, Head of the Academic Senate, highlighted the importance of democratic practice within academic environments. “Today marks a significant step in fostering a democratic spirit at UIII, allowing students to actively participate in electing their representatives in a transparent and fair manner. This election is not only about choosing leaders but about nurturing values that are fundamental to our institution and society,” he stated.

Dr. Chaider S. Bamualim, the University Secretary, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the role of such elections in promoting active student involvement and community engagement. “This election is an embodiment of UIII’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency. Our students are the heart of this university, and through this Student Union, they will have a platform to voice their needs and aspirations,” Dr. Bamualim remarked.

M. Yazid, Lc, head of the UIII Office of Student Affairs and International Services, expressed pride in the event’s organization and in the students’ engagement in the democratic process. “It’s inspiring to see students come together with passion and responsibility in selecting leaders who will represent their voices. This democratic exercise strengthens our student community and builds the leadership skills that will benefit them well beyond their time at UIII,” he shared.

The event, a testament to UIII's commitment to democratic values, marked a positive beginning for student governance at the university. As students exercised their right to vote in a transparent election, they also set a precedent for future Student Union elections, reinforcing a culture of fairness, integrity, and collective participation at UIII.

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