Medan. A number of students at the Institute of Science & Technology TD Pardede (ISTP) have stated they plan to transfer to other universities if there is no legal certainty regarding the continuation of academic activities at the campus owned by the extended family of the late DR TD Pardede, due to a conflict within the foundation managing the private university.
Several ISTP students interviewed expressed anxiety since the campus was sealed by the heirs of TD Pardede on May 17, 2026. This situation has made in-person lectures impossible, with activities temporarily shifted online.
“There is no clarity for us (students) about our status. Since it was closed by the heirs of TD Pardede on May 17, 2026, we haven’t been able to do campus activities. For now, we are still studying online,” said a fourth-semester Civil Engineering student met on campus on Jalan DR TD Pardede, Medan, Tuesday (June 2, 2026).
According to her, if there is no certainty soon, many students will likely choose to move to other universities.
“It seems many are ready to transfer after this semester ends,” she said.
She stated that along with other students, they continue to question the status of their studies to the dean’s office and the rectorate. However, so far, there has been no definite answer regarding how long the online lecture system will be in place.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations of the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDIKTI) Region I North Sumatra, Armiadi, stated that they have followed up on student reports regarding the sealing of the ISTP campus on May 20, 2026.
“The follow-up was in the form of Assignment Letter Number 1079/DST/LL1/KL.00.03/2026 dated May 20, 2026, concerning the Implementation of Field Reviews and Audiences with the Darma Agung Education Foundation (YPDA), ISTP leadership, and ISTP students,” he said.
From the review, several conclusions were drawn. One of them is that the Darma Agung Education Foundation (YPDA) based on the 2025 AHU under the leadership of Hana Nelsri Kaban is recognized by LLDIKTI Region I and the Ministry as the legal entity organizing ISTP.
Furthermore, students’ academic rights are confirmed to remain protected and will not be harmed.
“The transition period for restoring lectures is filled with methods of literature study assignments and independent creativity by the rectorate for a maximum of two weeks, while the foundation completes the summoning of lecturers and the provision of alternative physical lecture spaces,” said Armiadi.
Regarding the asset issue, he explained that the dispute over the physical building inventory, the retention of academic data by the old rectorate, and the tracing of campus finances will be resolved through legal channels by the foundation’s legal team.
Heirs’ Assets
On the other hand, one of the heirs, Herna Pardede, emphasized that the land and buildings used by ISTP are assets belonging to the heirs of DR TD Pardede and Hermina Napitupulu, previously used by YPDA Partahi Siregar.
According to Herna, the foundation has no rights to the land and buildings because ownership status has been strengthened by a final and binding court decision Number 261/Pdt.G/2021/PN.Mdn.
Thus, said the daughter of the late Jhony Pardede, the foundation has no rights to the land and buildings at ISTP because they belong to the heirs, as proven by the final and binding court decision or inkracht with Number 261/Pdt.G/2021/PN.Mdn.
Therefore, effective from Monday (May 17, 2026), the heirs of DR TD Pardede and Hermina Napitupulu agreed to
