Jakarta, IO – The occurrence is thought to happen at Universitas Diponegoro (Undip) in Semarang, Central Java. An X user @riansaxxx revealed that a number of students receiving KIP (Indonesian Smart Card) Kuliah — a program to provide financial assistance to students from low-income families who have performed well academically to pursue higher education — were using the funds to fuel their luxurious lifestyles.
The user uploaded a number of photos of students who admitted to buying cellphones, expensive bags and even Vespa motorbikes because their tuition fees have been paid for by KIP Kuliah. After the news went viral, three students identified as CMJ, SKP and NDP said they have withdrawn from the program, per Kompas, Thu (2/5).
In response to the allegation, Undip spokesperson Utami Setyowati said the university has followed up by summoning the students and will investigate the matter further. According to Utami, the students in question initially met the requirements to be recipients of KIP Kuliah when they registered. However, they later become Instagram celebrities who earn income from their content.
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Sony H Wijaya, KIP technical team member from the Education, Culture, Research and Technology Ministry, said that the status of KIP Kuliah recipients can be revoked if they were proven to be no longer eligible. A change in economic status is one of the conditions that can invalidate their enrolment. They also have to meet the minimum academic scores to keep receiving the funds.
“We will cross check with the university. If it is confirmed that they no longer meet the eligibility criteria to be KIP Kuliah recipients, their enrolment can be revoked,” he explained. (un)