Pekanbaru, 17 November 2025 — Universitas Riau (UNRI) and the General Election Commission (KPU) of Riau Province held an official audience as an initial step toward exploring strategic cooperation in electoral education, research, democratic outreach, and strengthening election governance. The meeting took place in the Indragiri Room, 4th Floor of the UNRI Rectorate Building on Monday (17/11) at 14:00 WIB. The audience was attended by university leaders, faculty representatives, related work units, as well as the Chairperson and board members of the Riau Provincial KPU.
UNRI’s Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, and Information Systems, Dr. Ir. Sofyan Husein Siregar, M.Phil, emphasized that the collaboration between UNRI and KPU is an important step in enhancing students’ political literacy.
“Universities are strategic spaces for nurturing a healthy democratic culture. This collaboration is not merely ceremonial but a momentum to strengthen the campus democratic ecosystem through research, electoral education, and community engagement activities.”
Vice Rector for Finance and General Affairs, Dr. Yuana Nurulita, S.Si., M.Si., stated that UNRI is ready to facilitate various synergistic programs, especially those requiring administrative support and campus facilities.
“We welcome this partnership initiative. From the financial and general affairs perspective, UNRI is prepared to provide support to ensure that joint programs run effectively, measurably, and sustainably.”
Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP UNRI), Dr. Meyzi Heriyanto, S.Sos., M.Si., who actively participated in the audience, reaffirmed FISIP’s readiness to be at the forefront of partnership implementation.
“FISIP has strong academic competence and scholarly networks to support the Riau KPU, particularly in electoral education, research, and voter rights outreach. FISIP is ready to establish collaboration with the Riau KPU; we will immediately prepare the draft cooperation agreement between both parties.”
Chairperson of the Riau Provincial KPU, Rusidi Rusdan, SH, S.Ag, M.Pdi, expressed his appreciation for UNRI’s initiative and hoped that this partnership would bring direct impact to society.
“KPU Riau cannot work alone. Synergy with higher education institutions like UNRI is key to maintaining the quality of democracy. Universities are intellectual hubs capable of becoming partners in research, voter education, and increasing political participation,” he said. Rusidi also added that the KPU is ready to open data access and collaboration opportunities for students and lecturers.
During the discussion session, UNRI and the Riau Provincial KPU explored several initial agenda items, including: internship and electoral training programs for students, joint research on voter participation and local political dynamics, development of electoral education modules, and community service activities focused on democratic outreach.
The audience concluded with an agreement to prepare a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Implementation Agreement (IA) for the next meeting. (RIRY)
