USU Public Relations – Eight candidates for Rector of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) for the 2026–2031 period presented their best work programs at the USU Rector Candidate Audition held in the Auditorium on Wednesday (24/9/2025). The panelists at the event were Prof. Dr. Erman Munir, M.Sc., Prof. Dr. Ir. Fahmi, S.T., M.Sc., I.P.M., and Dr. Harmona Daulay, S.Sos., M.Si.
The candidates presented their programs in turn, beginning with candidate number 1, Dr. Drs. Firman Syarif, M.Si., Ak., C.A., followed consecutively by Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si.; Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt.; Dr. dr. Johny Marpaung, M.Ked (OG), Sp.OG, Subsp-KFM; Prof. Dr. Syahril Efendi, S.Si., M.I.T.; Prof. Dr. Isfenti Sadalia, S.E., M.E.; Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T.; and finally, Prof. Dr. Hasim Purba, S.H., M.Hum.
Each candidate delivered their presentations in their own style before the panelists and the audience who filled the auditorium. The central theme highlighted by all candidates was internationalization, in line with the vision of Universitas Sumatera Utara.
General Police (Ret.) Drs. Agus Andrianto, S.H., M.H., who opened the event virtually, underlined once again that the position of rector is a profound mandate that carries significant responsibilities, and thus, whoever is elected must be supported by all stakeholders.
“This audition is an opportunity for the public to see and assess the future work programs of the rector candidates. I believe all candidates have visions, missions, and work programs that align with USU’s strategic plan to become a globally recognized campus,” stated General Police (Ret.) Drs. Agus Andrianto.
On this occasion, he also expressed his gratitude to all parties who worked hard to ensure the success of the selection and screening process up to the audition stage. The Chairperson of MWA expressed hope that subsequent stages until the final election would also proceed smoothly.
Previously, the Chairperson of the Selection and Screening Committee for USU Rector Candidates, Prof. Dr. Tamrin, M.Sc., stated in his remarks that the entire process from registration to screening had been successfully carried out. “Out of nine applicants who submitted their forms, eight passed the administrative selection,” he explained.
Prof. Tamrin added that after the audition, on September 25, 2025, the Academic Senate would vote to select the top three candidates. The final stage would then be the election conducted by the 21 members of the Board of Trustees, to be held at the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education.
“This audition is not just a formality, but a genuine opportunity for the rector candidates to present their ideas for the advancement of USU in the future. Both onsite and online participants can directly witness how the candidates envision their work programs for the upcoming term,” he added.
During the presentation session, candidate number 1, Dr. Drs. Firman Syarif, M.Si., Ak., C.A., presented his vision titled USU’s Vision by Firman Syarif: University for Financial Honesty and Transparency and Social Problem Concern.
Candidate number 2, Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., the incumbent rector, presented the concept of The Era of Ultimate Excellence with five general policies: Adaptive Governance and Organization, Tridarma-Driven University, Digitalization and Smart Campus, Enterprise and Endowment Fund, and Internationalization and Global Branding.
Prof. Muryanto emphasized that USU currently has a solid foundation to achieve greater targets. “All the achievements realized over the past four years are a strong capital for USU to move forward. Therefore, the support and synergy of all stakeholders across the academic community, including alumni, are essential,” he remarked.
Candidate number 3, Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., presented the concept USU Towards an Entrepreneurial University. Candidate number 4, Dr. dr. Johny Marpaung, M.Ked (OG), Sp.OG, introduced the GEMILANG concept. Candidate number 5, Prof. Dr. Syahril Efendi, S.Si., M.I.T., was followed by Prof. Dr. Isfenti Sadalia, S.E., M.E., Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T., and finally Prof. Dr. Hasim Purba, S.H., M.Hum.
Each candidate was given 15 minutes to present, followed by responses from the panelists and audience. At the end of the audition, the rector candidates delivered their closing statements and took a group photo, symbolizing the spirit of unity, collegiality, and shared commitment to building a better Universitas Sumatera Utara in the future.