UKT and SPI increases in Several PTN-BH Universities in Indonesia (Review Text)

The issue of UKT and SPI increases at several universities, especially those classified as PTN-BH, began to emerge since the announcement of SNPB 2024 was announced, which was more precisely around the end of April, which started with a viral TikTok video of prospective new students of Jendral Soedirman University who received UKT 11-25 million rupiah. After the UKT increase at UNSOED, several well-known campuses began to increase UKT and SPI or Building Money which eventually triggered demonstrations because they were considered arbitrary and did not see their students' abilities. Many times, they demonstrated but the campus officials did not follow up on it until the news went viral. A public hearing was held because many students wanted to convey their aspirations about this problem which was finally carried out by Commission X of the House of Representatives. 

After the public hearing, the Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Mrs. Tjitjik Sri Tjahjandarie, said about the expensive UKT, that 'college is not a compulsory priority, and college is a tertiary need'. The statement triggered the anger of citizens and netizens in Indonesia, which finally made Mr. Nadiem Makarim, Minister of Education of Indonesia, summoned by Commission X to discuss the issue of UKT increase and also the statement that had been given by the Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Research which was considered rash as well as disrespectful to the lower middle class. Finally, a meeting between Commission X and the Minister of Education was held until finally an order was made to cancel the increase in UKT and SPI on all campuses.

After further research, it turned out that there was indeed a surge in UKT and SPI on various well-known campuses up to 4 times, this went viral on TikTok and Twitter. Also, many old students complained about the increase in UKT because it was considered that the facilities and infrastructure obtained did not match the price to be paid. Many prospective new students chose to resign because they could not afford the fees, hearing this, campus activists in intra-campus organizations began to hold massive and ongoing demonstrations about the UKT surge, to the point that many also made tweets and posts on Instagram so that they did not study at the campus because it was expensive, one of which was UNNES itself. As one of the students, I also took the same action by distributing tweets, pamphlets, and criticizing my campus for arbitrarily increasing UKT and SPI without thinking about the situation of its students.

In their demonstration, students wanted the campus to improve its policies and rethink this, because it was considered very detrimental, especially for prospective new students. However, many campus officials did not respond to this and instead hid when the demonstrations occurred. Increasingly, demonstrations on other campuses were also attempted such as at UGM, UNS, UNRI, and others. Hearing this, Commission X of the House of Representatives held a public hearing on May 16. The Heads of Student Executive Bodies (BEM) throughout Indonesia were called to voice their aspirations, and in my opinion, this helped students to channel their opinions because previously they were not heard by campus officials. As a result, Commission X of the House of Representatives will evaluate the matter that has been complained about and follow up as soon as possible. This issue became even more uproar when the Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Mrs. Tjitjik Sri Tjahjandarie, openly stated that "college is a tertiary need, and college is also not a compulsory school program" for her words, she received blasphemy from netizens and netizens throughout Indonesia. As a student, my response to this is shameful. The 1945 Constitution clearly states that every Indonesian citizen has the right to education. Indeed, college is more expensive than elementary, junior high, and high school, but what is unnatural is the surge in tuition fee increases that reach 300-500%. Moreover, the campus facilities are not commensurate with the costs set, so as a student, it is clear to openly reject this. Then, the economic background of each family is also different, it cannot be equated. Students who come from middle to lower class families, also from underprivileged groups feel very objected. Moreover, every year viral news always appears about uneven and misdirected KIP-K assistance among students. Obviously, I agree with this demonstration.

As a result of the viral statement from the Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Commission X summoned the Indonesian Minister of Education, Mr. Nadiem Makarim to follow up on this matter on May 21. In the meeting, Commission X not only mentioned the unreasonable spike in UKT but also mentioned the KIP-K funds that do not know where to go as well as teacher salaries that are still very much below the UMR. After the hearing was over, the Minister finally gave orders for all PTN-BH to cancel the increase in UKT and SPI in 2024. The evaluation is that the government, especially the Ministry of Education and Culture, should conduct supervision and evaluation related to UKT fees on each PTN-BH campus every year so that nothing like this happens again in the future.

The increase in UKT and SPI fees at several PTN-BH universities has sparked widespread debate and popular indignation, underlining long-standing flaws in Indonesia's higher education system. This chaos, sparked by a viral TikTok video, highlights the financial strain on students and their families, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. Demonstrations and public outcry have stressed the importance of fair and transparent charge practices, eventually leading to government intervention to prevent fee rises. This issue has highlighted discrepancies in university pricing structures and the poor amenities supplied in return, worsening students' financial burdens. Student activists' continuous efforts, as well as the engagement of the House of Representatives' Commission X, were critical in resolving these issues and canceling the fee increases. However, the Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Culture's dismissive statements fueled resentment, emphasizing the critical need for compassionate and equal educational policy.

 As we reflect on this issue, the Ministry of Education and Culture must implement strong control measures to prevent similar unexpected and unwarranted fee rises in the future. This includes regularly evaluating tuition fees and ensuring that financial help, such as KIP-K, is administered equally. We can ensure that higher education is available to all, regardless of economic status, by creating a more transparent and equitable educational environment.

In conclusion, while the immediate crisis has been addressed, the underlying inadequacies in the education system demand ongoing investigation and reform. I encourage all stakeholders---students, instructors, lawmakers, and the general public---to stay attentive and proactive in working for a more equitable and accessible higher education system. Together, we can create a system that supports every Indonesian citizen's right to an education, guaranteeing that no student falls behind due to financial restrictions.