The Pretext of UKT Increase and the Real Impact on Prospective Students

Education is essentially a lifelong process, from cradle to grave. However, how can a less fortunate child of the nation realize that philosophy ifskyrocketing costs break their dreamsto go to college? The increase in UKT which reached 200% to 500% in various PTNs has caused mass unrest. Imagine a family situation: their child has struggled and successfully passed the PTN entrance selection, a proud achievement that deserves a celebration. However, that happiness instantly disappears whenthey facea UKT nominal that is beyond reach. Should parents tell their children to stop dreaming just because of economic inability? This is a social tragedy that sacrifices the potential of the nation's future generations. For the students themselves, who are the family's hope to change their fate, this policy is a deadly verdict.

The Irony of "Independent Learning" Amidst the Shackles of Expensive UKT

The government through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology is aggressively promoting the "Merdeka Belajar" program. However,this UKT policy injuresthe essence of that independence itself. The true essence of independent learning is the freedom to gain knowledge without the shackles of suffocating costs. This UKT increase policy is inversely proportional to the spirit of independence.What needs fixingis not the policy slogan, but its implementation in the field. "Merdeka Belajar" (Independent Learning) must truly mean freedom for every citizen to choose the university they want, withoutthe shadow of expensive tuition fees haunting them.