Jakarta. Education Minister Nadiem Makarim announced on Monday that the planned tuition fee hikes for state universities have been canceled nationwide.

His remarks came after a closed-door meeting with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, following mounting public protests about the rising costs in state universities.

Nadiem said the decision to cancel the fee hikes had been discussed with the management of state universities.

"Thank you for the many constructive inputs from various elements. I seriously listen to the aspirations of students, their families, and other members of the community,” Nadiem told reporters after his meeting with the president.

“The Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Ministry discussed the cancellation of the tuition fee hikes with the leaders of state universities last week. I just met with the president, and he agreed with the cancellation," he added.

Nadiem, who is also the founder of the ride-hailing company Gojek, said his ministry is drafting solutions for students who cannot afford education costs at state universities but he didn’t go into detail.