Rafi Abiyyu, Jakarta – Member of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), Choirul Anam, said his side was still examining the report against Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Makarim regarding the Single Tuition Fee (UKT) submitted by students of Semarang State University (Unnes).
"We will carry out monitoring and investigation. We will also send a letter to Pak Minister Nadiem Makarim, asking for statements and the possibility for a policy change," Anam told Tempo via a phone call on Tuesday, August 4, 2020.
Regarding the tuition fee for university education, Choirul asked Nadiem to reconsider the factual condition amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The burden on the education world is higher now. It does not only affect students but also parents," Choirul added.
Besides, Choirul lamented alleged repressive acts committed by the university, such as issuing letters of drop out, suspension or warning letters to students who protested the system. Komnas HAM, he added, would welcome any report on similar cases.
In line with Choirul Anam, Komnas HAM Commissioner Ahmad Taufan Damanik said the financing scheme for university education during the COVID-19 pandemic should have been recalculated, and that involved related parties.
"There should be a re-calculation of UKT by asking for students' opinion as well," Ahmad Taufan told Tempo via a short message.