Sanata Dharma University Rector Says Private University Admissions Are in Crisis

A number of private universities have seen a decline in new student numbers in recent years. The Rector of Sanata Dharma University, Albertus Bagus Laksana, S.J., S.S., Ph.D., assessed that new student admissions at private universities are already in a crisis. This was a response to the directive from House of Representatives Commission X asking for the higher education admissions system to be evaluated. He supports that directive. “USD welcomes the directive from House Commission X asking for an evaluation of new student admissions at private universities, given the crisis in new student admissions at PTS,” said Father Bagus in a written statement. According to him, the state university admissions system is the main factor behind the decline in new students at private universities. He mentioned that House Commission X has several times presented plans to renew the new student admissions system in higher education. One of these is limiting the quota for the independent pathway at state universities, as well as its commercialisation. He believes there needs to be a time limit for new student selection at state universities so it does not drag on and disadvantage private universities. “The system and practice of new student admissions at state universities that have occurred over the past few years have become a very large factor that must be changed,” he stressed. Private university parties have also frequently voiced similar concerns regarding the state university admissions system. However, he considers the government’s response to be very minimal. “The cries of private universities, both individually and within the APTISI forum, have also often been voiced, but the government’s response has been very minimal and not significant,” he said. The decline in the number of new students at private universities is said to be occurring almost evenly, including at USD. In fact, several favourite study programmes at USD are now experiencing a decline in applicants. “The decline in new students is also occurring in several study programmes at USD, including several large programmes that were previously flagship programmes. The trend of declining applicant numbers for favourite study programmes is also beginning to be visible,” he said. Father Bagus believes that what private universities need now is firmness and attention from the government to handle this issue as part of the state’s constitutional responsibility to educate the life of the nation. USD hopes the government will take concrete steps regarding the governance of new student admissions in higher education. Father Bagus also highlighted the funding system for state universities. According to him, state universities should not be burdened with financial problems that actually give rise to the practice of expanding new student admissions and opening new study programmes. “State universities must be supported in other ways so they are more contributive in the formation of young people (future leaders), the development of science, and have a real impact on society and the nation as well as the global community,” he said. On the other hand, Father Bagus also believes that the sustainability of private universities needs more attention. The forms of support needed include subsidies, institutional development assistance, and ease in opening study programmes that suit the needs of society and the job market. “Apart from new student admissions, private universities must also be supported with subsidy funds and ease in opening needed study programmes. The moratorium rule on opening new study programmes becomes unfair if state universities, especially state universities with legal entity status, are given the freedom and facilities to open study programmes according to their wishes,” he concluded.