Addressing concerns about the limited access to higher education among specific groups in Yogyakarta, Hafidh Asrom, a member of the Regional Representative Council, emphasized the urgency of creating opportunities for all residents.
In a meeting held at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) on Friday (Mar. 1), he underscored the need for proactive measures to ensure that Yogyakarta’s residents actively participate in the educational landscape of their city, not only as spectators.
During his visit to UGM, Hafidh Asrom proposed a special scholarship program to support financially disadvantaged prospective students. He recognized the pressing need to enhance access and opportunities for education among Yogyakarta’s residents, as only 9 percent currently pursue higher education.
“With only 9 percent able to continue to higher education, it indicates a challenge that needs to be addressed to improve access and opportunities for education for the people of Yogyakarta,” he said.
The low enrollment rate in higher education signals the existence of significant challenges hindering access for Yogyakarta’s residents. Collaborative efforts involving the government, educational institutions, and stakeholders are essential to foster an inclusive educational environment.
Hafidh Asrom convened with university leaders in Yogyakarta to discuss actionable solutions for enabling high school graduates in Yogyakarta to pursue higher education. Through facilitated group discussions (FGDs), stakeholders aimed to devise strategies and programs to increase higher education participation in Yogyakarta.
“We envision a collaborative effort between universities and local governments to devise sustainable solutions that positively impact educational development in Yogyakarta,” Asrom stressed.
UGM responded positively to this initiative. Professor Wening Udasmoro, the UGM Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching, highlighted UGM’s affirmative action program, which has been in place for the past two years.
This program extends educational opportunities to students from regions outside Java, such as East Nusa Tenggara, Bengkulu, and Papua, by providing financial support for their studies at UGM gathered from local governments.
“Students from Java, Central Java, East Java, West Java, and Yogyakarta seem to dominate UGM, while those from Sumatra and others are very small in numbers. Even so, affirmative action is not only for people outside Java but also for marginalized residents of Yogyakarta,” Vice-Rector Udasmoro affirmed.
Through this affirmative action program, UGM aims to empower prospective students from underrepresented areas by offering financial assistance, academic guidance, and necessary facilities to ensure their success in higher education.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photographer: Firsto