Commission X of the DPR asks that the discussion of limiting the quota of new students at universities be reviewed again.

University of Indonesia Campus/DOK ANTARA

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the House of Representatives, Lalu Hadrian Irfani, asked that the discourse on limiting the quota of new students at state universities (PTN) be reviewed comprehensively. He hopes that this restriction will not create new exclusivity at PTN.

"We consider the plan to limit the quota of new students at universities as a step that needs to be comprehensively reviewed. Restrictions must continue to prioritize fair capacity," Lalu told reporters, Monday, March 16.

The PKB legislator from the NTB District emphasized that the policy must also remain based on the principle of equal access to higher education for all Indonesian people.

"Especially, for those who come from families that are not able and lagging behind," he said.

Then also hopes that the quota restrictions are solely aimed at 'distracting' new students to private universities (PTS). He emphasized that the competition between PTN and PTS must be carried out professionally.

"Second, regarding the competition between PTS and PTN, the limitation of PTN quotas should not be seen merely as a way to 'redirect' students to PTS," he said.

The chairman of the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) PKB DPW also considered that although the quota restriction could indirectly encourage prospective students to consider PTS, competitiveness must be built through quality improvement and innovation, not just because of the reduction in quotas at PTN.

"We encourage the creation of a healthy higher education ecosystem, where PTS and PTN complement each other, not just compete in quantity," he said.

In addition to that, Lalu welcomed the proposal of the Rector of Paramadina University, Prof. Didik, for PTN to focus on research and postgraduate programs. He assessed that the proposal was quite visionary and in line with efforts to increase national competitiveness.

"I think focusing on research and graduate programs will strengthen the foundation of national innovation, while PTS can take a bigger role in undergraduate education that is applicable and oriented towards industry needs," he said.

Then also assessed, focusing on research and graduate programs is an ideal model of task allocation that can create synergy. "And of course improve the quality of Indonesian higher education as a whole," he concluded.

As is known, the Indonesian government is planning a policy to limit the quota of new students accepted at state universities (PTN). This plan is part of an effort to organize the higher education system to be more qualified and to adapt to the needs of the future workforce.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology stated that the policy is still in the stage of study and discussion with various parties, including universities, education experts, and other stakeholders.

The government considers that improving the quality of university graduates must be the main priority, not just increasing the number of students.