Minister Of Education And Culture Nadiem: The Increase In UKT Only Applies To New Students

Minister of Education and Culture, Research and Technology Nadiem Anwar Makarim, in a working meeting with Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta (ANTARA).

JAKARTA - Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Mendikbud-Ristek) Nadiem Makarim, said that the increase in single tuition fees (UKT) applies to new students.

This was conveyed by Nadiem in response to the increase in UKT which skyrocketed and sparked action in a number of universities.

Nadiem ensured that students who had studied at national universities would not be affected by this increase.

"So the Ministry of Education and Culture regulation emphasizes that this new UKT regulation only applies to new students. It does not apply to students who have studied in universities," said Nadiem in a working meeting with Commission X of the DPR, Tuesday, May 21.

"So there are still misperceptions in various groups on social media and others, that this will suddenly change the UKT rate for students who have implemented education in universities. This is not true at all," he continued.

Nadiem explained that the increase in UKT would not have a major impact on students with a low economic level or not yet established. Because he said, the principle of UKT is to prioritize the principle of justice and inclusiveness.

"Therefore, UKT is always tiered. What does it mean? It means that for students who have more capable families, they pay more. And those who can't afford it, pay less," he explained.

Nadiem said that this principle had been carried out by the Ministry of Education and Culture so far. He also agreed that the principle of justice for all Indonesian people must be upheld.

"And only students who are able to pay are placed in the medium and high UKT group according to their abilities," said Nadiem.