PORTALJABAR, SUMEDANG REGENCY - West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has proposed to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology to change the maximum parental salary limit for students receiving scholarships under the Indonesia Smart Card (KIP) program.

This year, the parental salary requirement for KIP Kuliah recipients must be below the provincial minimum wage (UMP) in the student's domicile. Therefore, the combined parental salary in West Java to qualify for KIP Kuliah must be below Rp 2.3 million, according to the West Java UMP.

"I suggest that the provisions for those under IDR 10 million be made to be able to receive KIP," said KDM, Dedi Mulyadi's nickname.

This was conveyed by KDM when giving a public lecture to thousands of new students in the context of the Introduction to Campus Life for New Students (PKKMB) for the General Admission of New Students at Padjadjaran University (Prabu) for the 2026/2027 Academic Year at the Jati Padjadjaran Stadium, Unpad Jatinangor Campus, on Monday (10/8/2026).

During the event, he responded to complaints from a number of students regarding the high Single Tuition Fee (UKT) for parents, including those who work as civil servants.

Students who entered through the achievement pathway, including students with disabilities, also complained about the high cost of boarding, living and tuition fees in Jatinangor.

Gina, a visually impaired student, is grateful for the free tuition she receives at Unpad. She hopes the governor will pay more attention to the plight of people with disabilities, allowing them to attend school and even college.

KDM also advised against giving up or dropping out of college due to the high costs. As long as you have a strong determination to graduate, financial challenges can certainly be overcome.

KDM also provides direct assistance to male and female students, including two years of boarding fees and free tuition for five semesters. It also provides Rp 5 million in business capital for students planning to start small businesses to cover living expenses during their studies.

He urged students with financial constraints not to be discouraged or sad, as attending college can pave the way for a better life in the future. He emphasized that no one should be denied college simply because of financial constraints.

"Don't just pursue academic degrees, but also gain experience while you're a student. Embrace hardship as a friend, so you can become a capable person, and not experience problems when faced with difficulties. Don't shun enemies, but make them your friends," said KDM.

Message for students

Livy, a student from Depok, requested the governor improve the roads in Jatinangor, particularly around the campus. She is also ready to participate in the improvements along with her colleagues.

In response, KDM stated that the road in question is a national road, thus falling under the central government's jurisdiction. However, he would speak with the Ministry of Public Works, and if permitted, the West Java Provincial Government would be ready to intervene.

"If permitted, it will be sparkling next year. But campus residents must also help maintain environmental cleanliness," he stressed.

Keisya, a veterinary student, admitted that she wants to restore animal biodiversity in Indonesia, but on the other hand, veterinary medicine still has fewer applicants than general medicine. She even says it's often considered trivial and less competitive.

KDM also encouraged him that the need for veterinarians in private companies, state-owned enterprises, and even the government is enormous. They can earn more than general practitioners. Therefore, he urged him not to be discouraged, especially given his noble goal of improving data on endemic animals in Indonesia.

WEST JAVA PUBLIC RELATIONS
Head of the Communication and Information Service of West Java Province
Adi Komar