Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) reaffirms its commitment to building an inclusive, democratic, and equitable system of university governance by officially recognizing independent student organizations within the university environment. This initiative reflects the principles of peace, justice, and strong institutions as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.
The policy was developed in response to the growing need for a more structured and legally grounded framework for student participation. Previously, several independent student organizations operated without a firm administrative basis, limiting their ability to function professionally and accountably. Through this institutional recognition, UNNES aims to broaden student participation in decision-making processes while fostering integrity, social responsibility, and transparency in campus life.
The formal recognition was established through the Rector’s Decree No. B/456/UN37/HK/2023 on the Dismissal and Appointment of Coordinators, Advisors, and Management of Student Institutions, Student Forums, and Student Activity Units for the 2023 Period. The decree officially recognizes 70 independent student organizations, involving more than 1,000 active students across various faculties and fields. This decree serves as the legal and administrative foundation for the professional and sustainable governance of student organizations.
As part of the university’s governance structure, the University Board of Trustees (Majelis Wali Amanat/MWA) ensures the active involvement of student representatives in determining university policies. This representation mechanism guarantees that students have an equitable and legitimate voice alongside lecturers, education staff, and external members. Through the MWA, students are able to convey their aspirations directly within the highest decision-making body of the university. Their involvement reinforces transparency, strengthens anti-corruption values, and encourages participatory governance in alignment with the SDG 16.6 target to develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions and SDG 16.7, which promotes responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.
This initiative provides students with broader opportunities to serve as active partners in university governance. Through formal recognition, student organizations gain access to capacity-building programs, funding mechanisms, and representative forums that strengthen their role as laboratories of democracy and leadership. This policy aligns with UNNES’s long-standing commitment to promoting inclusive, transparent, and participatory higher education governance.
The policy’s impact is evident in the growing participation of students in policy dialogues, leadership development programs, and cross-faculty collaborations that promote social innovation. Through their organizations, students contribute to various community empowerment, environmental, and social initiatives that support the university’s sustainability agenda.
As part of its long-term sustainability strategy, UNNES will integrate this recognition system into annual student leadership training and institutional performance audits. By maintaining a governance framework grounded in law and participation, UNNES ensures the sustainability of student organizations as equal partners in building a democratic, transparent, and integrity-driven higher education ecosystem fully aligned with the values of SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
