Indonesia Scraps University Tuition Fee Hike Following Public Outcry

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Education Nadiem Makarim has announced the revocation of all increases in tuition fees (UKT) for state universities (PTN) this year. This decision was made following discussions with rectors and in consideration of public aspirations.

Nadiem announced the decision following today’s meeting with President Joko Widodo or Jokowi at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. The Gojek co-founder acknowledged that some of the increases in tuition fees were worrying. 

“We have decided to annul the UKT increase this year and will reevaluate all requests for UKT increases from PTN,” Nadiem said in his statement, pledging that no student would be affected by the UKT hike.

The escalation in UKT in various universities was attributed to the Education Ministerial Regulation No. 2 of 2024 concerning the Standards of Higher Education Operational Cost (SSBOPT).

However, Nadiem remained tight-lipped when asked if this regulation would be revoked following today’s decision. He said the Director General of Higher Education would furnish the details.

“The Director General of Higher Education will explain the details as soon as possible,” he said.

The UKT price hike has spurred protests from numerous student entities in various regions. For instance, the tuition fees at the Jenderal Soedirman or Unsoed University skyrocketed by 300-500 percent, such as at the Faculty of Animal Husbandry from Rp2.5 million to Rp14 million per semester.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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