Director General of Higher Education, Research and Technology, Prof. Abdul Haris, was present at the grand launching of the Independent Selection for Entrance to State Universities, the Consortium of Western Region State Universities Cooperation Agency (SMMPTN-West) on Monday, May 6 2024.

In his speech, Prof. Haris thanked the Western State University Cooperation Agency for organizing the 2024 West SMMPTN which involved 25 PTNs. He also expressed his gratitude for the role of partner banks in this year's independent selection.

"Regarding the independent pathway, we at the ministry ask that based on the Merdeka Belajar curriculum, another pathway can be opened. So it's not just science and technology and social sciences, but also an independent pathway," said Prof. Haris.

Based on previous experience of Test-Based National Selection (SNBT), the Director General of Higher Education also requested improved facilities for participants with disabilities.

"Currently there is still a gap of 2.8 percent for people with disabilities. Hopefully they will also be facilitated. Not only in entrance selection, but people with disabilities must also receive appropriate higher education services as proof of the inclusive education that we implement," said Prof Haris.

Apart from the Director General of Higher Education, representatives from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) were also present who conducted a survey on integrity. The presence of the Corruption Eradication Commission is an effort to ensure that the independent selection method takes place in a measurable manner.

"And the indicator is in the regulations that we have made. However, it is also important that there is innovation and creativity in what we do," said the KPK representative.

In the final session, the signing of the West SMMPTN POB was witnessed by Prof. Haris accompanied by the chairman of the West PTN BKS, the Deputy Chairman of the West SMMPTN 2024, and the chairman of the West SMMPTN Working Group.