UGM Clarifies The Issue Of Students Affected By Book Fines Of IDR 5 Million

YOGYAKARTA - Gadjah Mada University (UGM) clarified viral uploads on social media (medsos) about female students who were fined up to IDR 5 million for being late in returning books.

UGM Spokesperson Dr. Made Andi Arsana confirmed that the student was fined due to delays in returning books at the Postgraduate Library and the UGM Central Library.

"It is true that the student was fined for being late in returning books at the Postgraduate Library (two copies) and the Central Library (six copies)," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, August 8.

He explained that the fine at the Postgraduate Library was recorded at IDR 3.7 million, but it had been settled with a payment of IDR 200 thousand for two books.

"The fine in the Central Library has also been completed this afternoon, with the person concerned voluntarily paying Rp. 500,000 for six books," said Andi Arsana.

To the student, according to Andi, the library has submitted an email delay notification since March.

In addition, the library has also contacted the phone number in question, but it is not active.

"All library transactions can be seen by students through the SIMASTER UGM account. Students are also given the opportunity to extend online through the SIMASTER account," said Andi Arsana.

Previously, the Instagram account @tante.rempong.official uploaded a video of a student crying after knowing the library bill reached millions of rupiah due to forgetting to return the book.

In the uploaded narration, details of the fines from the UGM Library and the Postgraduate Library of UGM, which accumulated up to IDR 5 million.