Dosen UBM Gorontalo Minta Mahasiswa Pindah Kampus karena Protes Wisuda Rp 19 Juta, Netizen Berang!

Summary

A lecturer at Universitas Bina Mandiri Gorontalo sparked public outrage after making controversial remarks about student protests over high graduation and exam fees. The comments, which suggested financially struggling students should transfer universities, led to widespread criticism of the lecturer's unprofessional behavior. The university distanced itself from the lecturer's opinion, taking internal action and clarifying that the fees were not mandatory and varied by program. Despite a public apology from the lecturer, many felt the incident harmed the university’s reputation, calling for further disciplinary measures.

Takeaways

• 😀 RN, a professor at Universitas Bina Mandiri Gorontalo, sparked controversy with remarks about student protests over high graduation and final exam fees.
• 😀 RN suggested that students who couldn't afford the fees should transfer to another university, which triggered a backlash from the public and students.
• 😀 The comments were made in a WhatsApp group and were widely shared, leading to a public outcry, with many criticizing RN's professionalism as an educator.
• 😀 The university responded by stating that RN's comments were personal opinions and did not represent the official stance of the institution.
• 😀 RN was reported to the university's internal handling unit for further action, and the university emphasized its commitment to preventing similar incidents in the future.
• 😀 RN issued a public apology, claiming his comments were meant as a joke and expressed regret for causing any offense.
• 😀 Some students felt that RN's apology was not enough, and called for stronger sanctions against him to ensure accountability.
• 😀 The controversy also reignited criticism of the university's high fees for graduation and final exams, which were seen as burdensome to students.
• 😀 The university defended the fee structure, explaining that costs varied by program and included transportation and souvenirs, which were not mandatory.
• 😀 Despite the apology, public and student reactions remained divided, highlighting the ongoing concerns about affordability and university practices in Indonesia.

Q & A

What was the main controversy surrounding Rahmat Nasila (RN)?

The main controversy involved RN making controversial remarks about students who protested the high graduation fees at Universitas Bina Mandiri Gorontalo. RN suggested that students complaining about the fees were financially incapable and advised them to transfer to another university.

How did the public react to RN's comments?

The public, including students and netizens, reacted negatively to RN's comments. Many felt that his remarks were inappropriate for an educator and did not reflect the supportive role educators should play in understanding students' financial struggles.

What steps did Universitas Bina Mandiri Gorontalo take in response to the controversy?

The university took immediate action by reporting RN to its internal handling unit. They clarified that RN's comments were personal and not the official stance of the university. The university committed to preventing similar incidents in the future.

What was RN's response after facing backlash for his remarks?

RN issued a public apology, stating that his comments were intended as a joke and were not meant to offend anyone. He expressed regret and promised to be more cautious in the future.

Did RN's apology resolve the issue fully?

No, RN's apology did not fully resolve the issue. Some students and members of the public felt that the apology was insufficient and continued to demand further action, including disciplinary measures against RN.

What was the public's reaction to the high graduation and exam fees at Universitas Bina Mandiri Gorontalo?

The public, particularly students, criticized the high graduation and exam fees, with some pointing out that these fees included additional costs like transport and souvenirs. Many felt that the fees were excessively burdensome on students.

What explanation did the university provide regarding the graduation and exam fees?

The university explained that the fees, which included transport and souvenirs, were not mandatory and were adjusted according to the exams that students participated in. The university also clarified that the fee structure had been in place since 2014, with a recent increase in November 2024.

How did the university address the concerns raised about the specific costs related to graduation and exams?

The university addressed the concerns by explaining that the reported fee structure, which included transport and souvenirs, created a misleading impression. The university clarified that these costs were only applicable for specific exams and not all students had to pay the same amount.

What role did the internal handling unit play in this controversy?

The internal handling unit of the university was responsible for investigating the matter and taking necessary actions against RN. This included reviewing his comments and determining whether further steps, such as disciplinary action, were needed.

What broader issues does this controversy highlight about the relationship between universities and students?

This controversy highlights the need for universities to be more sensitive to the financial challenges students face, especially when it comes to additional costs like graduation and exam fees. It also emphasizes the importance of educators being mindful of their comments and the potential impact on students' well-being.