According to Minister of Education and Culture, Nadiem Anwar Makarim, this decision was taken after a dialog between the government and universities and after heeding the aspirations of various stakeholders regarding this issue.
"The Ministry of Education and Culture has taken the decision to cancel the UKT increase this year, and we will re-evaluate all requests for UKT increases from PTNs (state universities)," the minister remarked after meeting President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Monday.
This year, university students will not be affected by the UKT increase policy, while the government will evaluate requests from universities for UKT increases next year, Makarim remarked.
"We listened to the community, and we ensure that an increase in UKT must be based on the principles of justice and fairness. That is what we implement," he emphasized.
On that occasion, he thanked all elements of society, especially students and university rectors, who have provided inputs and views that resulted in the cancellation of the UKT increase this year.
"Later, we will explain the detailed policy. The Director General of Higher Education will explain the details as soon as possible," he stated.
Recently, extensive talks have been ongoing regarding the high increase of UKT fees for new students, including the jump from UKT class four to class five, with an average of five to 10 percent.
This regulation was subjected to students from high-income families starting from the third class onwards, according to the student's ability, with the fee determined by the university.
This issue became a polemic, resulting in a wave of demonstrations by state university students in several areas.
Related news: President summons education minister amid rising college tuition fees
Related news: Minister to stop irrational increase in university tuition fees
Related news: State universities should exercise prudence in determining tuition fee
Translator: Yashinta Difa P, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
