The status of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) as an autonomous university academically or non-academically has brought consequences to society. Some people are concerned that UGM would become a commercial university so those who are less fortunate but academically ptential would not be able to enjoy quality education at UGM. This is logical but unfounded because UGM always implements autonomy in a responsible manner.
“Historically, UGM is an autonomous university. Since the early establishment in 1949, the statutes stated UGM is a legal entity of people’s interest while since 2003 UGM had the status of State Owned Legal Entity (PT BHMN),” said Executive Secretary, Drs. Gugup Kismono, MBA, Ph.D, Saturday (1/6).
Gugup said while having the autonomy, empirically, access to education for less fortunate people is wide open. The number of students from this group is increasing from year to year. UGM invites more students from the most remote, outlying and isolated regions.
“Requests to annul Law No 12/2012 has the potential to limit UGM capability to provide high quality education for all elements of society,” Gugup said.
In order to fight for autonomy, on Thursday (30/5) in the Constitutional Court, UGM together with Universitas Indonesia (UI) and Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB) as PT BHMNs sat for material test of Law No 12 Year 2012 on Higher Learning. “UGM goes in as a party with potential injury of losing the status if the Law is revoked,” Gugup said.
In the plenary meeting led by chairman of Constitutional Court, Rector, Prof. Dr. Pratikno, M.Soc.Sc., was also present along with Chairs of Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Sofian Effendi, MPIA, Academic Senate, Prof. Dr. Ir. Indarto, DEA, and Council of Professors, Prof. Dr. Ir. Susamto, M.Sc.