Jakarta.  As many as 84 private universities (PTS) may shut down due to failure to meet accreditation standards, according to the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN PT). The affected institutions are spread across several Indonesian provinces, including West Java, Jakarta, and Sumatra.

House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has called on the government to address the plight of students at 84 private universities that are at risk of closing. Puan emphasized that the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology must ensure these students can continue their education.

“I urge the government to find solutions for students at these threatened institutions. Their education should not be disrupted. Options could include transferring students to accredited universities and providing support to help them finish their studies with minimal delays,” Puan said on Monday.

Puan highlighted the importance of accreditation in improving the quality of higher education in Indonesia. She warned that institutions failing to meet these standards could harm the reputation of the national education system and impact the future of many students.

“Institutions that are not accredited can damage our higher education system’s reputation. It is crucial for universities to comply with BAN PT standards to ensure students receive quality education and contribute to the nation’s future,” She added.

Currently, 252 universities have not secured accreditation, with 84 facing possible revocation of their licenses. Puan called for a thorough review of the higher education system, including accreditation processes, curriculum, faculty, facilities, and funding.

Vice Chairman of Commission X, Dede Yusuf, also voiced concerns about the potential university closures. He stressed the need to ensure that students can continue their education at accredited institutions.

“Our priority should be to prevent disruptions to students’ education. We must facilitate their transfer to accredited universities and ensure their academic progress is not compromised,” Dede said.

Dede noted that the potential closures highlight broader issues with university management and educational quality. He urged institutions to adhere to accreditation standards and called for a review of the accreditation system to ensure it meets the evolving needs of higher education.

“The accreditation process must be effective and relevant. We need to adjust policies to address current challenges and restore public confidence in our higher education system,” Dede concluded.