USU PR: Vice-Rector I of the Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) Dr. Edy Ikhsan, SH, MA, accepts student aspirations regarding the policy of increasing the Single Tuition Amount (UKT). Edy Ikhsan directly received the arrival of students in front of the USU Central Administration Bureau, on Thursday (21/04/2022).

USU's VR I sat down with the students to discuss their demands. As is known, USU has just issued a policy to increase the UKT amount. Edy conveyed the reason USU issued the policy. It is conveyed if the increase is adjusted by considering many things.

"The increase in the UKT amount is based on calculations and studies, so it is not done immediately. This policy also adapts to current needs. This impacts USU's need to manage its various programs," said Edy. He explained that USU had to adjust the UKT amount to current conditions. USU's need to organize various programs and services is related to the level of expensiveness and price increases in the market.

“USU has not increased UKT for 10 years. During that time, there has also been an increase in commodity prices, inflation and so on. If we don't adjust it, USU will find it difficult on its own because there are approximately 40,000 students we have to serve," he said. Edy Ikhsan emphasized that although USU's UKT increased, the amount was still relatively low compared to other state universities in Indonesia. He claims that USU's UKT is one of the cheapest in Indonesia.

"Even though we are increasing it, USU is still a university with a low UKT. We need to increase the size of this UKT to provide and improve academic services. The increase in the UKT amount was also carried out to support USU to compete globally in universities. Edy emphasized that USU is intensively increasing its ranking and accreditation," said Edy.

In practice, the Single Tuition Fee (BKT) for each student per semester is greater than the determined UKT amount. USU applies cross-subsidies between regular students and independent students. So that independent student fees cover the lack of BKT per student. “I gave an example of forestry students. After being calculated, the BKT of a forestry student per semester is 11 million. However, UKT is level 8, or the highest is only 6 million. I also gave an example at FCS majoring in Ethnomusicology, the BKT is 8 million, and the UKT is at the highest level is 5 million. So USU did a subsidy to cover it.” he explained.

He also mentioned that USU always provides academic services, one of which is transparency. USU's leadership and the entire academic community are committed to always being transparent in every policy taken and trying to invite students to participate in making these policies. “If there is a problem, case by case, I hope that the younger students here can assist and advocate. There is no problem that cannot be solved, but it takes time. Therefore, the role of younger students is important to help us also provide services, "said Edy.

Students who are members of the USU Love Student Alliance made speeches bringing several demands. Among these demands are demanding an extension of UKT payments for SNMPTN 2022 students, demanding a review of the decision to increase the UKT amount, simplifying the procedure for reducing IKT. In addition, they also conveyed demands for transparency and information on budget allocations, provided space for student involvement in campus policies, demanded a fair allocation of educational aid funds, and rejected campus intervention and intimidation of students' space for movement. (RR)

Author: Roni Hikmah Ramadhan - Humas

Interviewee: - - -

Photographer: Amri Simatupang - Humas