Indonesia Waives One Semester of Tuition for 5,000 NTT Students

RRI.CO.ID, Manggarai - Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology is preparing to waive tuition fees for one semester for 5,000 university students affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The policy was announced by Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto during his visit to the field post of St. Paul Catholic University of Ruteng in Manggarai Regency on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

The tuition waiver is part of the government’s efforts to ensure that the disaster does not disrupt the students’ education. Financial support is expected to ease the burden on families who are currently focusing on recovering their homes and livelihoods after the earthquake.

“The Minstries family and all universities extend our condolences for the disaster that occurred in NTT. At this stage, we will provide tuition assistance for one semester for 5,000 students based on the data submitted, and if it is still needed, we will consider adding another semester,” he said.

The minister also expressed the government’s readiness to assist families of NTT students who are studying outside the disaster-affected areas. Kemdiktisaintek is coordinating with local governments and the National Disaster Management Agency to ensure assistance is provided according to the needs and priorities of affected communities.

Brian also appreciated universities that have sent and distributed logistical assistance, established field posts, and provided other forms of support in affected areas. Data on assistance needs collected in the field will be shared with universities preparing to contribute to the recovery effort, including through psychological support and trauma healing.

Meanwhile, Manggarai Regent, Herybertus Geradus Laju Nabit, reported that as of Wednesday, August 26, the earthquake had affected thousands of residents in Manggarai, with 45 deaths and around 50,000 people displaced, including approximately 7,600 vulnerable residents. Several healthcare facilities were also damaged by the disaster.

“We have coordinated with the central government, provincial government, and community groups. Twenty-three people died after the incident due to shock or because all community health centers and most of our hospitals were destroyed,” Herybertus said.

The government is also mapping the needs of affected communities and preparing the Aksara Mahasiswa program, or Student Learning and Community Empowerment Action. Through the program, universities are expected to contribute to the recovery process by mobilizing students and academic resources for education, community empowerment, and other activities based on conditions on the ground.

The Ministry said it would continue updating data on affected students, coordinating with higher education service institutions and universities, and mapping the needs of communities and campuses in NTT. The measures are aimed at ensuring that higher education institutions can provide targeted support while helping students continue their studies during the post-disaster recovery period.