Universitas Indonesia: Non-Profit Student Activities Remain Free of Rental Fees

Universitas Indonesia (UI) has moved to quell a brewing controversy surrounding its new policy on facility rental fees, with the Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Relations, Erwin Agustian Panigoro, issuing a firm clarification. The statement directly addresses concerns raised by the Student Executive Board (BEM UI) regarding Rector's Decree Number 105/SK/R/UI/2026, which outlines standard tariffs for renting rooms, buildings, and open spaces. BEM UI had voiced strong opposition, uploading their concerns to the official Instagram account @bemui_official.

“

Student activities that are non-profit are not charged room rental fees, alias free.

Panigoro emphasized that the decree is part of an effort to optimize asset management and enhance the university's financial independence by diversifying revenue streams beyond the state budget (APBN). However, he stressed that this optimization does not compromise the primary function of campus facilities as crucial support for academic and educational activities. Crucially, the decree explicitly states that all non-profit student activities will remain free of charge. This is clearly stipulated in Appendix II, letter B, number 2 of the Rector's Decree.

“

The decree is an effort to optimize asset management to strengthen the institution's financial independence by opening up sources of income outside the APBN, while still positioning campus facilities as strategic assets whose main function is to support academic activities.

This clarification is vital for maintaining an inclusive and accessible campus environment, particularly for student organizations engaged in non-commercial pursuits. UI asserts its commitment to ensuring students can utilize campus facilities for academic development, arts performances, sports, discussions, and other extracurricular activities without incurring rental costs. The policy also aligns with Government Regulation Number 75 of 2021 concerning the Statute of Universitas Indonesia, which guarantees students' rights to access educational facilities. While commercial activities will be subject to the new tariffs, UI insists that non-profit endeavors, which form the core of student life and development, will continue to be supported through fee exemptions, reinforcing the university's dedication to its students.

“

Non-profit student activities are free. This provision is explicitly regulated in Appendix II letter B number 2 of Rector's Decree Number 105/SK/R/UI/2026.