Acting Governor Of West Java To Confirm ITB Regarding Students Recipient Of UKT Scholarships Must Work Timely

West Java Acting Governor Bey Machmudin gave a statement at Sudirman Grand Ballroom Bandung, Wednesday (25/9/2024). (ANTARA/Ricky Prayoga)

BANDUNG - Acting Governor of West Java (Jabar) Bey Sapihi Machmudin said his party would confirm the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) regarding the alleged half-time work obligation for students who receive scholarships for Single Lecture Money (UKT).

Bey does not yet know the details of the information and will be further confirmed whether there is an agreement or maybe an honorarium in the scholarship award scheme.

"I'll ask first, whether there is an agreement, there is a work honorarium. As far as I know I don't have to work, it could be because I can't afford it, or I'm smart, or how I'll ask later. I don't know the details yet," Bey said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, September 25.

In a statement, the Chairperson of the ITBFidela Student Family Cabinet (KM), Marwa Huwaida, explained that the beginning of this issue was spread because of the emergence of an e-mail from the Education Directorate related to obligations for all ITB students who received UKT scholarships to do part-time work.

"That is the obligation to register as a potential assistant (priority of tuition assistants)," said Fidela.

ITB explained that the UKT Scholarship recipient policy is required to contribute to ITB in the form of working part-time, such as tuition/practice assistants, administrative assignments at the faculty or study programs under WRAM, assisting student guidance and or academic guidance, and providing tutorials for students who need academic assistance.

Students must register through formals. "This has drawn controversy because ITB seems 'not sincere' in providing UKT relief for student friends. Even though getting education at an affordable cost is the right of students," said Fidela.

ThenFidelasaid there was a threat to re-evaluate the UKT relief application process submitted by ITB students. "This is also proof of ITB's inability to fulfill its obligation to provide proper and affordable education," he said.

ITB Explanation

Responding to this, the Head of the ITB Communication and Public Relations Bureau, Naomi Haswanto, said the policy was designed to provide students with UKT scholarship recipients with the opportunity to contribute to campus development, as well as gain relevant work experience.

"We have announced the launch of a student financial assistance system that is related to the above values that are more comprehensive and character development-oriented. This system, which we call the Financial Aid System, aims to unite various resources and financial assistance programs that already exist in ITB," he said.

The goal, he said, is to unite various resources and financial assistance programs that already exist in ITB, including scholarships and UKT relief, grants, part-time work programs, partnerships, other financial assistance, as well as various supporting services.

"This system is in line with the goals of ITB education, namely educating students who are not only academically superior, but also have strong, adaptive, integrity and humble character. This system work scheme will be adjusted to student economic qualifications, the needs of faculty/schools in ITB, student study burdens, and college schedules," he said.

Scholarship recipient students, also called Naomi, can work in Student Activity Units (UKM) to assist student organizations in carrying out their programs.

He also explained that the reduction in UKT was determined based on student economic qualifications. If the decline is still burdensome, students can choose other options for financial assistance programs.

Naomi said ITB wants its financial assistance policy not only to provide financial assistance, but also to encourage and educate students to actively contribute to academic activities and academic support.

"Thus, aid recipients will also play a role in building a positive academic atmosphere in ITB, as well as enriching their experience for the future. The Ganesa Talent Assistant (GTA) program which has been running for several years is one example of how ITB has implemented this principle," said Naomi.

Finally, Naomi said that ITB is committed to receiving constructive input from students and related parties, as well as trying to prioritize transparency in every policy taken.