The KPK Is Investigating The Role Of The Ministry Of Education And Culture And The Chancellor Regarding Allegations Of New Student Revenue In Unila

Head of the KPK News Division Ali Fikri/KPK Public Relations DOK

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating the role of the Ministry of Education for Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) and the rector regarding the acceptance of new students at the University of Lampung (Unila).

This step was taken by examining witnesses, namely the Secretary of the Directorate General of Dikti Ristek Tjikjik Srie Tjahjandarie. Investigators examined him on Friday, September 9 yesterday.

"It has been confirmed about the role of the Ministry of Education and Culture and the chancellor in the acceptance of the new students," said Head of the KPK News Section Ali Fikri to reporters, Saturday, September 10.

In addition, Tjiktjik was also asked for information regarding the legal basis and procedures for accepting new students. This information, said Ali, is believed to have made light of the alleged bribery that ensnared the inactive Unila Chancellor Karomani.

As previously reported, the KPK has named four suspects for alleged bribery in accepting new students at the University of Lampung in 2022. The determination of this suspect began with a hand arrest operation carried out in Lampung, Bandung, and Bali.

The suspects involved in this case are the Chancellor of Lampung University 2020-2024 Karomani; Deputy Chancellor I for Academics at Lampung University Heryandi; Chair of the Lampung University Senate Muhammad Basri; and private Andi Desfiandi.

In this case, Karomani is suspected of setting a price for prospective new students on his campus with a range of Rp. 100 million to Rp. 350 million when carrying out the Selection of Independent Entering the University of Lampung (Simanila). This request was made after Heryandi and Muhammad Basri personally selected the ability of parents to pay.

From his actions, Karomani allegedly managed to collect Rp603 million from a lecturer named Mualimin. Furthermore, he used the money he received for personal purposes of Rp575 million.

Meanwhile, from Muhammad Basri and Budi Sutomo, who are the Head of the Planning and Public Relations Bureau of Lampung University, it is suspected that the total money received by Karomani reached Rp4.4 billion. This money was then transferred to deposit savings, gold bars, and some were still in cash.