Zulhas Raises Concerns Over Expensive Independent Track Tuition at State Universities; Prabowo: State University Education Must Be Free!
President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, has agreed to a proposal by the General Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Zulkifli Hasan, to make tuition fees at state universities free. The President’s approval was delivered directly during the peak of the 28th anniversary celebration of PAN at the Plenary Hall, Jakarta International Convention Centre (JICC), Jakarta, on Friday night, 18 September 2026, shortly after Zulkifli Hasan voiced the grievances of students and prospective students regarding the high costs of the independent admission track.
In his address to the President, Zulkifli Hasan conveyed the aspirations he has received from young people wishing to pursue higher education at state campuses. “Many young people are currently applying to state universities. The fees are expensive, Sir. The independent track fees are expensive,” said Zulkifli Hasan.
“Please, Sir, they are conveying these aspirations regarding the high costs so that we might, if possible, rectify them. Because the hopes of our youth are certainly within state campuses, Sir,” he continued.
President Prabowo responded to the proposal that same evening. “I strongly agree; I will immediately hold a cabinet meeting. In short, the cost of state education must be free. The cost of state education for primary school, junior high, senior high, and state universities must be free,” President Prabowo asserted.
Regarding the source of funding, the President stated that the budget could be derived from the recovery of state funds resulting from corruption criminal acts. “Later, later, later, there will be those who ask, where will the money come from? The money that was corrupted, stolen, and embezzled,” he remarked.
If this policy is realised, the doors to state universities will open much wider for children from families who have previously been hindered by costs. Children of fishermen, farmers, online motorcycle taxi drivers, and small-scale traders will be able to continue their studies until they achieve a bachelor’s degree without their parents having to sell assets, incur debt, or postpone their children’s ambitions. Until now, many high school graduates with excellent grades have been unable to apply for the independent track solely because they could not afford the initial admission fees.
For Zulkifli Hasan, access to state campuses must not be determined by a family’s economic capability or their region of origin. “Quality education must not be a luxury. It must not only belong to those born in large cities or wealthy families. There must be no discrimination in education,” he said.