PRESS RELEASE – The selection process for the Rector of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) for the 2026–2031 period has entered the administrative selection stage. This stage was conducted on Thursday, September 11, 2025, following the official closing of registration on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 24.00 WIB.  

Chairman of the Rector Selection Committee, Prof. Dr. Tamrin, M.Sc., explained that by the closing of registration, 14 individuals had collected registration forms.  

List of registrants:
1. KH. Dr. Muhammad Sontang Sihotang, S.Si., M.Si.  
2. Wilson Bangun  
3. Prof. Dr. Syahril Efendi, S.Si., MIT  
4. Dr. Drs. Firman Syarif, M.Si., Ak., CA  
5. Dr. dr. Johny Marpaung, M.Ked (OG), Sp.OG, Subsp-KFM  
6. Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si.  
7. Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt  
8. Chairul Tanjung  
9. Ansari  
10. Budang Tumajang Simalkum  
11. Prof. Dr. Isfenti Sadalia, S.E., M.E.  
12. Prof. Dr. Hasim Purba, S.H., M.Hum.  
13. Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T.  
14. Prof. Dr. Ir. Noverita Sprinse Vinolina, M.P.  

Out of the 14 registrants, 9 applicants submitted their documents within the deadline:  
1. Dr. Drs. Firman Syarif, M.Si., Ak., CA  
2. Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si.  
3. Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt  
4. Dr. dr. Johny Marpaung, M.Ked (OG), Sp.OG, Subsp-KFM  
5. Prof. Dr. Syahril Efendi, S.Si., MIT  
6. Prof. Dr. Isfenti Sadalia, S.E., M.E.  
7. Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T.  
8. Prof. Dr. Hasim Purba, S.H., M.Hum.  
9. KH. Dr. Muhammad Sontang Sihotang, S.Si., M.Si.  

Following administrative assessment, the Committee declared that 8 candidates fulfilled all the requirements and passed the administrative selection stage.  

Candidates who passed the administrative selection:
1. Dr. Drs. Firman Syarif, M.Si., Ak., CA  
2. Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si.  
3. Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt  
4. Dr. dr. Johny Marpaung, M.Ked (OG), Sp.OG, Subsp-KFM  
5. Prof. Dr. Syahril Efendi, S.Si., MIT  
6. Prof. Dr. Isfenti Sadalia, S.E., M.E.  
7. Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T.  
8. Prof. Dr. Hasim Purba, S.H., M.Hum.  

These 8 candidates are eligible to proceed to the Audition Stage, which is a forum for presenting their work programs aligned with the vision and mission of Universitas Sumatera Utara. The Audition will be held on September 24, 2025, at the USU Auditorium. It is expected to be a healthy, open, and constructive forum where each candidate presents strategic ideas for advancing USU as a State Higher Education Institution with Legal Entity (PTN-BH) status that is excellent, innovative, and globally competitive.  

During the presentations, candidates are required to uphold the values of unity and integrity, ensuring that the atmosphere remains conducive. They are prohibited from engaging in incitement, SARA-related issues (ethnicity, religion, race, group), or discrediting other candidates. The selection must be conducted with respect for ethics, reflecting the university’s role at the forefront of national civilization.  

Candidates are expected to focus on advancing USU’s vision and mission, competing fairly without resorting to character assassination for political ambition. This ensures that the rectoral election becomes a true contest of ideas, not harmful opinions, embodying an academic tradition of dignity.  

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to conducting all stages of the selection and election process based on principles of accountability, transparency, and professionalism, ensuring that the selection of the Rector of Universitas Sumatera Utara for the 2026–2031 period proceeds in a healthy, democratic, and dignified manner.