DPR's Commission X: Distance Learning Could Increase Burden of Costs for Students
The Chair of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission X, Hetifah Sjaifudian, has cautioned that the policy of distance learning or PJJ for university students should be implemented flexibly through a hybrid scheme. According to her, the widespread implementation of learning from home could potentially add to the cost burden for students.
“The widespread implementation of PJJ also has the potential to widen the digital access gap between regions,” said Hetifah in her statement on Wednesday, 8 April 2026.
Moreover, she stated that students entering the final stages often require intensive academic interactions. These interactions, she said, are needed for deepening material, thesis or dissertation guidance, and access to campus facilities.
Therefore, Hetifah emphasised that the PJJ policy for final-year students also needs to be supported by adequate infrastructure and assistance. “And evaluations to ensure that energy efficiency goals do not sacrifice the quality and equity in higher education,” said the Golkar Party politician.
In addition, Hetifah encouraged clarity on the data regarding the amount of energy savings targeted in this PJJ policy implementation. This includes urging the government to prepare studies on the impact of online lectures on the quality of higher education. “Without such a foundation, this policy risks placing non-academic considerations above the quality of learning,” she said.
The PJJ provisions are contained in Circular Letter of the Minister of Education, Higher Education, Science, Research, and Technology Number 2 of 2026 concerning Adjustments to Work Patterns in the Kemendiktisaintek Environment and Adjustments to the Implementation of Academic Activities at Universities.
Kemendiktisaintek’s Brian Yuliarto said that the implementation of PJJ at universities does not apply to all students. PJJ is only intended for students in semester five and above as well as postgraduate programmes.
He stated that the policy only applies to certain specific courses that can be implemented via PJJ. “Intensive courses such as calculations, formula derivations, or practicals cannot be done via PJJ. How could veterinary medicine dissect animals through PJJ?” said Brian at the Kemendiktisaintek Office on Monday, 6 April 2026.
In addition to regulating PJJ, the circular also includes adjustments to work patterns in the Kemendiktisaintek environment. Employees in the main unit, Higher Education Service Agency (LLDikti), and universities are required to work from the office from Monday to Thursday, while Friday implements working from home (WFH).
Specifically for lecturers, the work pattern is adjusted to the learning needs. University leaders are also asked to arrange lecture schedules so that lecturers can carry out WFH without disrupting the teaching and learning process and the implementation of the university’s tridharma.