Tuition-Free College

A presidential candidate stated in early November 2023 that he would make college tuition-free. However, one may question whether the commitment to free tuition is merely political rhetoric, susceptible to the ebb and flow of campaigns.

Further scrutiny into the political promise to tuition-free education at State Universities will reveal complexities arising from the Higher Education Law (Undang-Undang Pendidikan Tinggi, UU Dikti). State Universities, functioning as Legal Entities (Perguruan Tinggi Negeri Badan Hukum, PTN BH), are granted autonomy, notably the power to independently manage funds (Article 65, paragraph 3, point d). This introduces dynamics that necessitate careful consideration.

A fundamental question arises: What is the financial and operational impact of revoking this autonomy? The consequences may extend beyond budgetary allocations for faculty and staff salaries in PTN BH, encompassing broader aspects such as the Long-Term Plans of PTN BH. This autonomy includes decisions on the opening of new academic programs, infrastructure development, and more.

Envisioning a scenario where PTN revert to being Units of Work (Satuan Kerja, Satker) prompts consideration of potential resistance. The complete autonomy to manage academic programs, recruit personnel, and make internal decisions represents a privilege that may be challenging to relinquish. The pivotal question is whether PTN BH is willing to let go of control that has become integral to its identity.

The complexity doesn’t end there. This political promise must navigate the intricate process of the National Legislation Program (Program Legislasi Nasional, Prolegnas). While changes to the law must be included in Prolegnas, successfully making it into the program does not guarantee a smooth journey. Faced with these hurdles, it becomes increasingly apparent that fulfilling this political promise depends not only on good intentions but also on careful navigation through existing legal frameworks and regulations.