Should Independent Selection Of University Be Deleted?

There are three ways to go to college; SNMPTN, SBMPTN, and Independent Selection. (illustration/Unsplash )

The Chancellor of the University of Lampung (Unila) Prof. Karomani was arrested by the KPK. Karomani was arrested by the KPK in connection with corruption in accepting independent selection students. Prof. Karomani is suspected of playing and asking parents of prospective students to pay a certain amount of money as a condition for entering Unila.

The arrest of Prof. Karomani created a bad image for the university. As one of the institutions to print candidates for leaders, the leaders are actually exposed to corruption cases. Because of this case, many parties have highlighted the independent path in PTN. Not a few also asked that the independent path be abolished. Deputy Chairman of Commission X DPR RI, Dede Yusuf, suggested that the independent pathway at PTN be removed and replaced with the official selection tests for batches 1, 2 and 3 with clear and measurable progressive semester fees.

Dede asked the government to pay serious attention to the corruption case involving the Chancellor of Unila.

In the media, the DPR member from the Democratic Party said that there needed to be improvements to the new student admissions system at state universities (PTN). The flexibility of the campus in accepting new students through independent channels, said Dede, needs serious attention from the central government so that there is no abuse of the authority of PTN officials.

Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Mendikbud Ristek) Nadiem Makarim at the Commission X DPR RI Working Meeting last week said that the existence of corruption cases in universities was a lesson for the future. Kemendikbud Dikti will conduct an investigation outside Unila. What are the systemic ways in the future that can be done to eliminate and minimize similar incidents.

Independent Selection

Quoting from campus.quipper.com the self-selection or self-examination is an independent admissions system for new students at state universities in Indonesia. The independent selection is carried out after the announcement of the results of the SBMPTN entrance (Joint Selection for State University Entrance). The requirements and mechanisms are adjusted to the provisions of each university.

In the independent selection process, several universities use special tests, using the Computer-Based Written Examination (UTBK) scores, report cards, and academic and non-academic achievements as additional points.

The quota from this selection is set at a maximum of 30 percent of the capacity of the study program at the PTN. The number of quotas can be increased from the transfer of the SBMPTN quota amount if it is not fulfilled, with a maximum amount of 10 percent.

The cost to take the self-examination is greater than the registration for the SBMPTN. In addition, the tuition fee for the self-selection path includes UKT (Single Tuition Fee) and entry fee.

Then, what is the purpose of holding a selection to enter PTN through an independent path? According to the Chairman of the Indonesian Chancellors Forum, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng., IPU, ASEAN Eng, the self-selection at PTN provides discretion to university leaders to make decisions and make affirmations with noble goals. For example, to give affirmations to children who have special needs. Or those whose secondary education is not good enough, so it is difficult to compete freely with other schools (in the city) on a value basis.

Also facilitates children who have achievements in arts, sports, and science (science olympiad). They are given the convenience to enter PTN. So according to Prof. Panut, the purpose of holding the independent path is for inclusiveness, equity, and other noble goals.

Regarding the existence of donations outside UKT, according to Prof. Panut, it should be declared pass first, then talk about donations. Not those who can pay will be considered for graduation. Prof. Pabut said that donations are also not for higher education leaders but for institutions.

So, actually, the independent selection has a good purpose. Independent selection is also allowed to collect money outside UKT. It's just that, as Prof. Panut said, it must be accountable, and transparent and the allocation is for institutions and cross-subsidies.

Indeed, there is a reproach for committing fraud, but if the aim is good, then it is better for the Ministry of Education and Culture to carry out a total evaluation. Fixing and closing the gap on how to prevent cases like those at Unila from happening again, not closing the independent selection. And what must be remembered is that PTN as an educational institution managed by the state has the task of educating the nation. Provide opportunities for all bright and accomplished children of the nation to study. There may be a starting fee, but as a state institution it must be measurable. Don't let the grades suffocate and it's much higher than private schools.