Yogyakarta Private University Rectors Voice Alarm Over Plummeting New Student Numbers
A number of private university (PTS) rectors in Yogyakarta have voiced their concerns over a decline in new student numbers at their respective campuses. They are calling for an evaluation of the independent admission route system at public universities (PTN).
Rector of Sanata Dharma University (USD), Albertus Bagus Laksana, S.J., S.S., Ph.D, revealed that several study programmes at his campus have begun to experience a drop in interest. The decline has even affected programmes that were previously categorised as flagship courses. ‘The decline in new students has also occurred in several programmes at USD, including some large programmes that were once our strengths. The downward trend in applicants for favourite programmes has also started to show,’ he stated on Tuesday (9/6/2026).
Romo Bagus, his nickname, noted that the causes are varied, but highlighted the PTN admission system as a major factor. ‘The system and practice of new student admissions at PTNs over recent years have become a very significant factor that must be changed,’ he asserted. He added that the cries from PTS institutions, both individually and through the APTISI forum, have often been raised, but the government’s response has been minimal. Consequently, he appreciates the directive from Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives. ‘USD welcomes the directive from Commission X asking for an evaluation of PTS admissions, given the crisis in new student intake at private universities,’ said the Jesuit.
He stressed PTS institutions need firmness and attention from the government to handle this issue as part of the state’s constitutional responsibility to educate the nation. USD hopes the government will take concrete action to improve the governance of university admissions. Furthermore, Romo Bagus believes the government needs to fix the funding system for PTNs. He argued PTNs should not be burdened with financial problems that lead to the expansion of student intake and new programme openings. He also assessed that PTS sustainability needs more attention, including subsidies, institutional development assistance, and ease in opening programmes that meet societal and job market needs.
Achmad Nurmandi, Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), explained that new student applicants to UMY have continued to decline since 2022. Previously, applicant numbers reached around 25,000, but have now fallen to around 18,000. This year, the decline is sharply felt, with UMY recording around 12,000 applicants. Approximately 3,000 prospective students applied through scholarship schemes. To date, UMY has accepted about 5,000 prospective students, but only around 2,000 have re-registered, roughly 40 per cent of those accepted. ‘The decline is almost 20-25 per cent this year,’ he stressed.
Nurmandi explained that the independent admission route at PTNs is the cause of the decline at UMY over the last five years. Students apply to many universities, and many independent routes no longer require tests, relying only on school report selection and UTBK scores. ‘The public perception still favours PTNs, even though the cost of PTNs can now be more expensive than PTS. The assumption that PTN quality is better is also not necessarily true,’ he said. Nurmandi proposed the government evaluate the new student admission system, particularly the large quota for independent routes, which reaches around 50 per cent. He also suggested that the admission schedule be centralised. He acknowledged the reduced student body forces UMY to adjust its budget, but efficiency measures do not touch core sectors related to educational quality. Budgets for lecturer salaries, research, community service, and student mobility remain intact.