DPR's Commission X Concerned Over Undip UTBK Cheating Incident: More Than Just Grades at Stake
Deputy Chair of DPR’s Commission X, Lalu Hadrian, has regretted the cheating case involving a participant in the Computer-Based Written Exam (UTBK) for the 2026 National Selection Based on Tests (SNBT) at Diponegoro University (Undip), who implanted an assistive device in their ear. Lalu assessed that this is not merely a rule violation but a serious issue concerning integrity.
“This UTBK cheating case is clearly concerning, especially involving a hidden device in the ear. This is not just about breaking rules, but about integrity,” Lalu told reporters on Wednesday (22/4/2026).
This PKB politician emphasised that UTBK serves as the initial gateway to the academic and professional world. Therefore, according to him, cheating practices from the early stage are very dangerous and could potentially shape dishonest character.
“UTBK is the first step into the academic and professional world. If cheating becomes habitual from the start, there is a risk it will carry over. After all, what is needed is not just intelligence, but also honesty and trustworthiness,” he stated.
Lalu reminded participants to uphold the value of honesty in the selection process. According to him, results obtained honestly are far more valuable.
“My message is simple: better to fail honestly than to succeed through cheating. Because what is being tested is not just grades, but also character,” he said.
Lalu also requested the government to evaluate the implementation of UTBK. He said supervision in the exam rooms must be tightened.
“Of course (tighten supervision), the committee must ensure sterility and early detection of cheating must be carried out immediately,” he remarked.
A UTBK SNBT 2026 participant at the Undip campus was caught cheating by implanting an assistive device in the ear. The participant was then taken to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) clinic before being handed over to the Tembalang Police Sector.
The cheating was detected by the UTBK committee on Tuesday morning (21/4) during the screening process using a metal detector. The check was conducted before participants took the UTBK by the female committee members.
“Coincidentally, this morning during screening using a metal detector, one participant was detected to have metal inside their clothing,” said Undip’s Vice Rector I, Heru Susanto, when contacted, as reported by detikJateng on Wednesday (22/4).
The participant was not immediately disqualified but had to undergo interrogation by the UTBK committee first. The interrogation lasted quite a while, even leading the committee to take the participant to the ENT clinic.