Jayapura City- Cenderawasih University (Uncen) asserts that there is no increase in the Single Tuition Fee (UKT) for the 2025/2026 academic year, despite ongoing student demonstrations protesting the alleged increase in tuition fees.
The Secretary of the New Student Committee (PMB) Uncen, Chris J. Rumsan, stated that the UKT being implemented still refers to the Decree (SK) of UKT in 2023, which was set by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek).
“There is no increase in UKT. What has changed is only the decree, because according to the rules, it is updated every year. However, the content or attachment still refers to the 2023 decree,” Chris said in a statement on Thursday (5/22/2025).
Chris regretted the student demonstrations that turned anarchic. According to him, the campus had scheduled an audience with the Student Executive Board (BEM) to discuss the issue.
“According to the Rector’s instructions, we had planned an audience with BEM today. But instead, there was an anarchic demonstration. If it’s like this, how can students understand the actual explanation about UKT,” he said.
Furthermore, Chris explained that the determination of UKT at Uncen is divided into 10 categories, adjusted to the economic conditions of students and their respective study programs.
The lowest UKT or category 1 is set at IDR 500,000, specifically for students from families with limited economic conditions.
“For example, students whose parents have passed away, their UKT is only IDR 500,000. Everything is adjusted according to the data and files of parents’ income during registration,” he explained.
Meanwhile, for study programs like Medicine, students are charged UKT category 7 with an amount of up to IDR 18,000,000.
Chris emphasized that the figure is determined based on the Single Tuition Fee (BKT) proposed by the study program and has been in effect since 2023.
“Why is Medicine high? Because there are many practical activities and other learning needs that require more costs,” he said.
The highest UKT category, category 10, is only applied to students who enter through cooperation with local governments (Pemda).
“UKT is not set arbitrarily. Everything refers to regulations and parents’ income,” Chris concluded.
