"I caution university rectors to not (engage in any foul) play in the new university student admission process," the ministry's acting director general of higher education, research, and technology, Nizam, stated here, Monday.
The statement was made in response to the recent operation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) against the rector of the University of Lampung, Karomani, and university officials, who were arrested for corruption in the student admission test conducted by the university.
He said that university rectors were entrusted with presiding over the new student admission process properly and cautioned them against abusing their position.
"The government trusted state universities through their rectors to admit new students through university-organised tests that must be performed with full responsibility and credibility. Do not abuse the position, let alone for corruption and enrich self," the acting director general emphasized.
Selection of new university students through university-organised tests is expected to provide fair and equal opportunity for all students to study at their preferred university, Nizam emphasized.
After the case came to light, the ministry will re-evaluate and improve the existing university student admission system to prevent the recurrence of abuse in the process and to ensure fair and equal access for potential students.
"There must be no students who could not be admitted to state universities due to economic issues," he remarked.
On Sunday (August 22), the KPK named four people as suspects in a bribery case related to the university student admission process in the University of Lampung in 2022 and confirmed that they will continue the investigation.
The four suspects are university rector Karomani, Deputy Rector of Academic Affairs Heryandi, and Head of Academic Senate Muhammad Basri, as well as Andi Desfiandi from the private party.
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Translator: Indriani, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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