Learning Technology Analyst, Data Center and Information Technology, Ministry of Education and Culture, M. Romario Basirung explains student loans from the aspect of education policy in Indonesia.
Unesa. ac.id., SURABAYA– The Student Representative Council (DPM) FMIPA UNESA held a national dialogue with the theme "Student Loan Contraventions on Higher Education Accessibility, Saving Education or Burdening the Future?" online via Zoom Meeting on Saturday, June 22 2024.
The dialogue which was attended by general students invited two speakers, namely M. Romario Basirung, S.Pd., M.Pd as Learning Technology Analyst, Data Center and Information Technology, Ministry of Education and Culture; and Dr. Muhamad Sholeh, S.Pd., M.Pd., Director of Student and Alumni Affairs at UNESA.
Chair of the committee, Yumna Alya, said that the background to holding this event was the unrest of students who were experiencing difficulties in paying single tuition fees ( UKT).
"We as legislators in the field of advocacy want to help students provide enlightenment regarding UKT payments and the student loan system that will be implemented in Indonesia," he said.
In the first material session , M. Romario Basirung, said that student loans are a discourse of education policy in Indonesia that makes it easier for students to access higher education so that this is an alternative way to achieve superior human resources such as in countries that have implemented student loans.
"Student loans have become a topic of discussion every year in the Indonesian government. This policy cannot be implemented directly in our country, because it requires more in-depth studies, because this is very risky for the future of students," he explained.
Director Mawal UNESA explained the stunt loan from various perspectives. He also invited participants to look together at the projections of this policy for students in the future.
Meanwhile , in the second session the Director of Student and Alumni Affairs (Mawal) UNESA, Muhamad Sholeh, explained the concept of student loans which he would implement in Indonesia. According to him, a student loan is a form of student loan as educational financing, such as single tuition fees (UKT), book fees and living expenses during study with provisions for repayment after they graduate and start working.
There are two main types of students loans, namely subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Subsidized loans are usually given to students from low-income families, with the government covering the interest during the study period.
'In contrast, unsubsidized loans require students to bear interest from the start of the loan period,' he said.
The home base lecturer at the Faculty of Education emphasized that education is an investment in the future, because with education as a tool for the country's economic development, educational investment provides a higher return value than other investments.
Educational investment has many functions, such as social-humanitarian functions, political functions, cultural functions and educational functions.
"Implementing student loans in Indonesia requires careful planning and in-depth consideration , one of the factors that need to be considered includes financial infrastructure, regulations and public awareness," he explained.
The challenge when Indonesia implements this student loan policy is the risk of students' inability to pay back loans, which can cause long-term financial burdens for graduates.[]
***
Reporter: Mochammad Ja'far Sodiq (FIP)
Editor: @zam*
Photo: Documentation of the FMIPA DPM Team, and UNESA PR Team
Share It On:
