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UI rector resigns from BRI amid backlash over new university statute
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The rectorate building of the University of Indonesia in Depok, West Java. (Wikimedia Commons/Ilham Kuniawan Gumilang)
U
niversity of Indonesia (UI) rector Ari Kuncoro has stepped down from his role at state-owned lender Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) following concern about recent changes in a university statute that legalized his dual role, despite potential conflicts of interest.
According to a document filed with the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) on Thursday, Ari had sent his letter of resignation to the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Ministry on Wednesday, vacating his position as vice president commissioner at the bank.
The document marks the end of Ari’s 17-month role at the bank after his appointment was confirmed in the bank’s annual general shareholders meeting in February last year.
Ari’s double-jobbing came under scrutiny following a recent change in a UI statute that was widely perceived as accommodating his dual role. The statute, which was outlined in Government Regulation (PP) No. 75/2021, bars the UI rector, deputy rectors, university secretary and heads of institutions from holding positions on the boards of directors of state-owned or private companies, as well as other institutions and affiliations, to avoid conflicts of interest.
The restrictions in the new statute, which entered into force on July 2, are more relaxed than the previous version of the statute, which was outlined in PP No. 68/2013. The 2013 regulation explicitly barred the university’s rector and deputy rector from holding any position in state-owned or private companies, among other institutions and affiliations, during their tenure at the university.
The revised stipulation meant that Ari could keep his role as a member of BRI's board of commissioners while still serving as UI rector.
Ari also recently drew criticism following his decision to summon members of the UI’s student body after the latter posted a series of tweets on Twitter that criticized President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, in a move that was seen as stifling government critics.
