Top programmes losing applicants, USD rector highlights state university admissions system
Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has highlighted the continuous decline in applicants to regional private universities (PTS) and has requested an evaluation of the new student admission system. The Rector of Sanata Dharma University (USD), Albertus Bagus Laksana, S.J., S.S., Ph.D., acknowledged that a downward trend in new student numbers is being felt across several study programmes at his campus.
USD believes the government needs to urgently reform the university admission system, which is seen as contributing to the student enrolment crisis in private institutions. Consequently, he welcomed the directives from Commission X of the DPR.
“USD welcomes the direction from Commission X of the DPR requesting an evaluation of new student admissions in PTS, given the ongoing crisis in private university enrolments,” said Father Bagus in a written statement received on Tuesday (9/6/2026).
Father Bagus stated that the decline in new students is not limited to small private universities or campuses in specific regions. According to him, several study programmes at USD have also begun to experience a drop in interest.
“The decline in new students is also occurring in several programmes at USD, including several large programmes that were previously flagship offerings. A downward trend in first-choice applicants for favourite programmes is also becoming visible,” he said.
He noted that while the causes of this decline are varied, the admission system at State Universities (PTN) is the primary factor driving the decrease in students for private institutions. Furthermore, Father Bagus noted that this is not the first time Commission X of the DPR has presented plans to reform the university admission system.
Proposed reforms include limiting the quota for independent tracks (jalur mandiri) in State Universities, addressing their commercialisation, and setting time limits for PTN admissions processes to prevent prolonged selection periods that disadvantage private universities.
“The systems and practices of student admissions in PTNs over recent years have become a very significant factor that must be changed,” he emphasised.
“The cries of private universities, both individually and through the APTISI forum, have been voiced frequently, yet the government’s response has been minimal and insignificant,” he added.
He believes that what private universities require now is decisiveness and attention from the government to address this issue as part of the state’s constitutional responsibility. Therefore, USD hopes the government will not merely discuss the problem but take concrete steps to improve the governance of university admissions.
“What PTS needs now is decisiveness and attention from the government to handle this issue as part of the state’s constitutional responsibility to educate the nation,” he said.
Furthermore, Father Bagus believes the government also needs to reform the funding system for State Universities. In his view, PTNs should not be burdened by financial issues that lead to the expansion of student intake and the opening of new programmes.
“PTNs must be supported through other means so they can be more contributive to the formation of the nation’s youth (future leaders), the development of science, and provide a real impact for the community, the nation, and the global society,” he said.
On the other hand, Father Bagus also assessed that the sustainability of private universities needs more attention. The required support includes subsidies, institutional development assistance, and ease of opening study programmes that meet the needs of society and the workforce.
“In addition to student admissions, PTS must be supported with subsidies and the ease of opening necessary programmes. The moratorium on opening new study programmes is unfair if PTNs, especially PTN-BH (Legal Entity State Universities), are given the freedom and facilities to open programmes according to their own desires,” he concluded.