"The ministry would recommend stopping these irrational increases in UKT," he emphasized in a working meeting with Commission X of the DPR RI on Tuesday.
His statement was made in response to issues circulating in the community regarding UKT that had soared, thereby triggering student protests across various regions.
Makarim reminded state universities to remain rational and reasonable while increasing UKT, even for students with a higher economic level.
The minister spoke of having heard several rumors about the soaring UKT fees for UKT above the second category at several state universities.
Makarim then ensured that his side would immediately evaluate, check, and conduct an assessment of these soaring UKT fees to be stopped later.
"I want to ask all heads of state universities and study programs to ensure that the increase in UKT should be rational, reasonable, and not rushed," Makarim stated.
Earlier, the ministry's Secretary of the Directorate General of Higher Education, Tjitjik Sri Tjahjandarie, stated that there were additional UKT grouping in several state universities, especially to provide facilities for students from well-off families.
However, the problem arose when the universities gave a large jump in UKT fees that usually occurs from UKT class four to class five, with an average increase of five to 10 percent, which becomes a polemic for students.
To this end, Makarim stated that the new UKT regulations only apply to new students for the next academic year.
In addition, this regulation will not be applied to new students from lower-income families since they were grouped into the UKT class one and two, with tuition fees set by the government.
“This only applies to new students and will not impact students with inadequate economic levels," the minister clarified.
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Translator: Astrid Faidlatul H, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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