One thousand one hundred fifty-three participants took the 2024 UGM Entrance Test (UM UGM CBT) in Pekanbaru, Riau. The test was conducted from May 30 to June 1, 2024, at the Riau Provincial Educational Quality Assurance Agency (BPMP).
Of the 1,153 participants, 817 took the science and technology group test, while 336 chose the social sciences and humanities group test. One participant from Padang, Azzaindris Leica, expressed her happiness that the UM UGM CBT was held in Pekanbaru.
“Alhamdulillah, I left home at 6:00 AM. It’s pretty close to my hometown in Padang. I don’t have to go to Jogja,” she said on Friday (May 30).
Leica stated that since she was not accepted through the academic excellence-based entrance selection (SNBP) pathway, she still intended to take the UM UGM CBT in Pekanbaru.
She took the test in Pekanbaru because she strongly desired to study at UGM, primarily in the Public Policy and Management program, her first choice, and English Literature, her second choice.
“This test in Pekanbaru helps me in my search for a university,” said the Pembangunan Laboratory High School student.
Ratu Jasmine Wahid, a test participant from SMA Negeri 1 Pekanbaru, expressed a similar sentiment. She felt assisted by the holding of the UGM entrance test in Pekanbaru.
“It helps, especially for students from regions like mine, in terms of access, cost, and information,” she said, expressing her interest in choosing the Medicine program.
Likewise, Zara Rafela Nagita, who was also unsuccessful in the SNBP pathway, strongly desired to study at UGM. She took the UM UGM CBT in Pekanbaru and felt it was helpful.
“This helps me take the UM UGM CBT. It’s certainly closer to my hometown,” said the student who chose the Communication Science or Sociology program.
The Secretary of the Directorate of Education and Teaching at UGM, Dr. Sigit Priyanta, explained that the choice of test locations in several regions outside Yogyakarta and Jakarta is a manifestation of UGM’s commitment to providing broad educational access to all children of the nation from across Indonesia.
“We want to facilitate prospective students in the outermost regions of Indonesia, such as Pekanbaru, so that the UM UGM CBT can be easily accessed without distance and geographical barriers. We bring the test closer to allow the children of the region in Riau Province and its surroundings to take the test,” he said.
In addition to Pekanbaru, UGM conducts the UM UGM CBT in regions such as Medan, Balikpapan, Kupang, and Makassar.
Dr. Priyanta added that, based on data, the largest number of participants in the UM UGM CBT in Pekanbaru came from Pekanbaru City, with 401 participants. This was followed by participants from Padang City (97), Bengkalis Regency (88), Batam City (54), and various areas around Riau Province.
Dr. Sri Mulyana, the person in charge of the UM UGM CBT in Pekanbaru, said the test was conducted smoothly. The UGM Technical Team was ready on-site two days before the test.
Various preparations were made, including setting up and testing the network. During the implementation, the UGM Technical Team, room supervisors, and invigilators joined the local committee from Kagama Riau Province.
“All preparations were made and coordinated according to the Central Committee’s provisions. The test venue at the BPMP Riau Province used five rooms with capacities of 80, 60, and 40 people. The test lasted for three days: two sessions on the first day and one session each on the second and third days,” explained Dr. Mulyana.
Furthermore, Dr. Mulyana explained that the committee strictly enforced rules for security measures according to the Central Committee’s procedures and guidelines. The committee carefully checked each participant using metal detectors before they entered the test room.
All unnecessary items, such as watches and cell phones, must be placed in bags and not brought into the room. Only essential writing tools for working on the test using tablets were allowed.
Likewise, participants’ document checks were mandatory before the test began. Dr. Mulyana appreciated the cooperation and solidarity between the local committee, room supervisors, and invigilators, which ensured the smooth conduct of the test.
“Hopefully, the collaboration with the UGM Alumni Family (Kagama) can be enhanced to select the best candidates in Riau Province,” Dr. Mulyana said.
Author: UGM Directorate of Education and Teaching/B. Diah Listianingsih