In a recent session between the DPR RI’s Commission X and Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Makarim, the topic of increased Single Tuition Fee (UKT) rates in state universities took center stage. The meeting, held on May 21, 2024, aimed to delve into the concerns arising from the implementation of Regulation No. 2 of 2024 by the Ministry.

During the two-hour dialogue, Minister Nadiem and his team shed light on the key provisions of Regulation No. 2 of 2024, which has sparked debates surrounding the surge in UKT rates. Here are the significant insights gleaned from the session:

1. Exclusive Application to New Students Minister Nadiem clarified that Regulation No. 2 of 2024 pertains solely to incoming freshmen, alleviating concerns about its impact on existing students. There has been a misconception among the public that the new UKT regulations would affect all students, which Nadiem addressed during the session.

2. Protection for Economically Disadvantaged Students Nadiem reassured that the UKT hike would not burden students from low-income families. The fee adjustments outlined in Regulation No. 2 of 2024 primarily target students from financially capable backgrounds, ensuring that those from less privileged backgrounds are not unduly affected.

3. Allocation of Education Budget Suharti, the Secretary-General of the Ministry, provided insights into the distribution of the education budget in the 2024 State Budget. Out of the total education budget of Rp 665 trillion, the Ministry manages only Rp 98.9 trillion. The remainder is allocated to 22 other ministries and institutions, emphasizing the collaborative nature of education funding.

4. DPR’s Inquiry and Minister’s Response Members of the DPR voiced their concerns regarding the recent tuition fee hikes and sought clarification from Minister Nadiem. They questioned the sudden increase in fees across state universities and stressed the importance of ensuring equitable and affordable education for all.

5. Commitment to Reevaluation In response to the raised concerns, Minister Nadiem pledged to reassess the UKT adjustments in state universities. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to halting unwarranted fee hikes and ensuring that education remains accessible to all segments of society.

Despite the informative session, Minister Nadiem chose to refrain from engaging with the media’s inquiries after the meeting’s conclusion. While exiting the DPR building, he cited prior commitments but assured that Director-General Abdul Haris would provide further clarifications.

The meeting between Commission X and Minister Nadiem underscored the complexities surrounding the UKT issue and highlighted the government’s efforts to address public concerns while upholding the principles of fairness and inclusivity in education.