"The revocation of operational permits is done to protect the public, especially students," Acting Director General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology Nizam said here on Thursday.
He said the ministry can revoke the licenses of private colleges that have poor teaching and carry out fraud.
Nizam noted that the decision to revoke the operational licenses of some private colleges is based upon facts and validated data, such as community reports or field monitoring results.
The ministry always follows up on every report that comes from the community through evaluations, he said.
He added that the ministry usually deploys some teams before imposing sanctions. The teams come from the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDikti), the Directorate of Institutions, the Academic Performance Evaluation team, and the Inspectorate General team.
"Based on in-depth evaluations and recommendations, guidance would be given, and the license would be revoked, if it is a must," Nizam said.
He emphasized that colleges whose licenses were revoked were those that committed serious violations, such as not meeting higher education standards, fraudulently taking students’ money, and the practice of selling fake diplomas.
In addition, serious violations also include irregularities in the provision of the Smart Indonesia Card for Higher Education (KIP-K) scholarship and disputes between the organizing body, which result in an unconducive learning process.
"The sanctions imposed are according to the level of violation," Nizam said.
He advised prospective students to be careful when applying to universities and not be easily tempted by the lure of scholarships.
He also reminded them to ensure in advance that universities and study programs have been accredited.
The public can report alleged violations by higher education units through the ministry's https://sidali.kemdikbud.go.id/app website.
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Translator: Astrid H, Kenzu
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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