Medan, 2024 – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) is strengthening participatory and democratic life on campus by formally recognising and supporting the autonomy of its independent student unions. These organisations give students a structured voice in academic, social, and policy discussions, and are an important part of how the university practices good governance in daily life.

At the university level, Badan Eksekutif Mahasiswa Universitas Sumatera Utara (BEM USU) acts as the central executive body for students. It is supported by BEM Fakultas at the faculty level and the Dewan Perwakilan Mahasiswa (DPM), which functions as the student legislative body. Alongside these, USU also recognises student press groups and dozens of student organisations in faculties and study programmes. In total, the university recognises around 60–70 student unions and representative bodies across faculties and departments, all of which contribute to student representation in different areas of campus life.

USU officially supports the inauguration of the Student Executive Board (BEM USU), reaffirming the university’s commitment to fostering student leadership, participation, and organizational development on campus.

The autonomy and legitimacy of these bodies are regulated through Rector’s Decrees and the Student Affairs Policy under the Directorate of Student Affairs (Ditmawa USU). These guidelines set out:

  • how student leaders are elected,

  • the principles of democratic and accountable governance, and

  • students’ rights to organise, express opinions, and participate in university consultations.

Within this framework, USU provides administrative and ethical oversight, but each union is free to choose its own leadership, set its own agenda, and design its own programmes. This means that BEM, DPM, and faculty‑level executives operate as independent student institutions, not as extensions of the university bureaucracy.

USU students cast their votes in the BEM USU election, demonstrating a transparent and democratic process that empowers the student community to choose their leaders.

USU’s support is visible in both policy and practice. The university formally inaugurated the 2024/2025 leadership of BEM USU’s Kabinet Aksi Bersama in an open ceremony at the Student Hall, attended by university leaders and representatives of the Directorate of Student Affairs. In another example, the Vice‑Rector for Student Affairs (WR III) received a delegation from BEM USU to discuss academic collaboration, student creativity programmes (PKM), and participation in national and international competitions. These meetings show that student leaders are treated as serious partners in discussing academic quality, campus welfare, and the university’s public role.

Beyond formal events, USU gives moral and material support so that student‑union initiatives can run independently: academic discussions, forums on campus welfare, social campaigns, leadership training, and community engagement projects. In return, the student unions play an important role in:

  • channelling student aspirations into university policy forums,

  • giving feedback on academic and non‑academic regulations, and

  • Promoting inclusive participation and accountability in campus life.

An academic student forum held at Universitas Sumatera Utara, fully supported by the university to encourage constructive dialogue and academic growth among students.

By recognising the independence of BEM USU, BEM Fakultas, DPM, and student press organisations, and by involving them in dialogue on academic and social issues, USU shows that student participation is not an add‑on but a core part of how the institution is run.

This approach reflects the university’s commitment to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. It demonstrates that a modern university can be academically strong and, at the same time, open, inclusive, and responsive to the voices of its students.