UTBK Participant Caught Using Device in Ear, DPR Member: Better to Fail than Cheat

Jakarta - Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the House of Representatives, Lalu Hadrian Irfani, expressed concern over the case of a UTBK participant at Diponegoro University (Undip) who was caught cheating by using a metal device implanted in the ear area.

Lalu assessed that if a UTBK participant resorts to using a hidden device in the ear, this is not merely a violation of rules but a matter of integrity.

“UTBK is the initial step into the academic and professional world. If one is accustomed to cheating from the start, there is a risk that this habit will carry forward. In fact, what is needed is not just intelligence, but also honesty and trustworthiness,” Lalu told reporters on Wednesday (22/4/2026).

Lalu also requested that the organising committee implement early detection in the future, so that UTBK participants enter the testing room in a sterile condition.

“My message is simple. It is better to fail honestly than to succeed through cheating. Because what is being tested is not just scores, but also character,” he added.

According to Tribunnews, the Computer-Based Written Test-National Selection Based on Tests (UTBK-SNBT) was held simultaneously at all state university UTBK centres across Indonesia, starting on Tuesday (21/4/2026).

Unfortunately, the implementation of UTBK-SNBT 2026 on the first day was marred by findings of alleged cheating at several exam locations on campuses spread across various regions.

One prominent case was the implementation at Diponegoro University (Undip), Semarang.

A UTBK participant was detected using a metal device implanted in the ear area, suspected to be used as a means to assist in answering questions from external parties.

Heru hoped that all participants could take the exam honestly and optimally.

“We detected this cheating during the screening process using a metal detector before participants entered the exam room. One participant was detected carrying metal inside their clothing,” said Heru on Tuesday (21/4/2026).

After further examination, the committee found metal in both ears of the participant.

“The examination results showed metal material in both the right and left ears, which we suspect was used to assist in completing the UTBK by external parties,” he said.