UNAIR NEWS – Eight students from Tadulako University, Palu, were officially received by Rector of Universitas Airlangga in his office room on Friday night. The eight students were affected by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Palu in September 28.
Eight students have already sit in for a week in UNAIR. They are from bachelor’s programs in Law, Economics and Development Studies, and Aquaculture.
UNAIR Rector Prof. Moh. Nasih said that eight students from Tadulako University were already in Surabaya. All of them have attended lectures, studied well, and found places to stay. Overall, there were no technical obstacles. He also said that all students were received well.
“We hope this sit in program will be complete and perfect until the end of the semester. So, we can convey the academic record of the students to Untad, ” explained UNAIR Rector.
Furthermore, if after the sit-in program the student wants to study at UNAIR with credit transfer system, there is a mechanism related to that. The Rector said that as long as Untad allows them to transfer credit in UNAIR, they will be facilitated.
“However, for this semester, it cannot be done because the lecture is in the middle of the semester. The credit transfers can be started in the next semester,” said the professor of Faculty of Economics and Business.
The sit in tuition fees at UNAIR is free. As for funding assistance, 1 million from the Directorate of Higher Education for victims affected by the Palu-Donggala disaster, there are certain mechanisms.
“For those (students, ed) who greatly affected by the disaster, there are mechanisms from the Higher Education. As long as the requirements are met, Dikti will help, “said Prof. Nasih.
Meanwhile, Koko Putra Sikumbang, one of 8 Untad students who had been sitting in at UNAIR for one week , shared his experience to UNAIR NEWS. At Untad, he took a bachelor’s program in Law.
Koko said that there was a lot of experience gained during the sit-in at UNAIR. According to him, there are more references, his friends are friendly and kind. He also stressed that UNAIR received Untad students well.
Out of many campuses that open opportunities for sit-ins, Koko chose UNAIR because it has been accredited A and there is support from parents.
Although on November 5, the Palu-Donggala government urged its citizens to return, Koko had planned to complete a semester of sit-in at UNAIR.
“On November 5, the lectures at Untad returned to normal , but not all buildings will be used. We also wait for the general work service to check the building. There has been tent assistance for teaching and learning activities there, “explained Koko.
However, asked about his desire to continue his studies at UNAIR, Koko said that he has not had it yet.
“On my desire to transfer credit next semester at UNAIR, I don’t have one. From the beginning Untad emphasized One Untad, One Breath, One Family . Next semester I will return there. I am very grateful to UNAIR for accepting us eight as sit in students from Untad, “he said.
Regarding student residence during sit-in at UNAIR, BEM UNAIR has supported them to find a place to live. So, there is no concern about the living space for Palu students who wish to sit in UNAIR. (*)
Author: Binti Q. Masruroh
