Exchange Students Protest High Dorm Fees

Surakarta - Some exchange students from Sebelas Maret University who live in dormitories protested at the dorm office against high dorm fees that were not advertised in the brochure on October 3rd 2022. The dorm fees that students must pay are higher than the fees listed in the brochure.

Tania, an exchange student who took part in the protest, stated that she hoped the hostel could reduce the dormitory fee. “I am  saddened by the high cost of boarding, especially since I had other expenses to pay during the student exchange program, such as food and transportation costs . The government's monthly stipend is insufficient to support my life in this city. As a result, I'm hoping that the dorm parties  will reduce the dormitory fee for exchange students,” She said. 

Students must pay one million rupiahs per room, regardless of whether they are on the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth floors. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is one million rupiah in the first floor, nine hundred thousand rupiahs in the second floor, nine hundred fifty thousand rupiahs in the third floor, and eight hundred thousand rupiahs in the fourth and fifth floors, according to the brochure.

Agnes, the administrator of the UNS student dormitory, explained that the bill that did not match the brochure was a directive from her superior. She does not have the authority to deduct the dorm fees.

Furthermore, the dormitory administrator assures students so that they do not need to be concerned about high boarding fees. “I will try to convey to Mrs. Dr. Emmy Latifah, S.H., M.H., the coordinator of the student exchange program towards  the students' wishes regarding the reduction of dorm fees that are not in accordance with the brochure. I hope that all students will be able to wait for this decision.” She declared.