PAN Chairman Urges Prabowo to Review High State University Entry Fees

Concerns are mounting in Indonesia over the escalating costs associated with entering state universities through independent selection channels, raising questions about access to higher education for young Indonesians. Zulkifli Hasan, chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), commonly known as Zulhas, directly conveyed these grievances to President Prabowo Subianto during the peak of PAN's 28th-anniversary celebration held at JICC Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday, September 18, 2026. Zulhas stated that many young people aspiring to pursue higher education at state universities are facing the issue of expensive fees through the independent route. "The independent route is expensive, sir," he remarked, urging the President to review the costs. "Please, sir, they convey aspirations. If we can correct the expensive payment." He emphasized that quality education should not be a privilege reserved only for those residing in big cities or hailing from affluent families. Zulhas underscored the critical role of educational access for the younger generation who will shape Indonesia's future as it approaches its 100th year in 2045. Furthermore, PAN has expressed its support for programs like the "People's School" and "Garuda School" as part of broader efforts to enhance educational accessibility. This issue highlights a wider societal challenge in Indonesia concerning educational equity. For students from rural areas or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, high entry fees can pose a significant barrier to pursuing higher education.