The Ujian Tulis Berbasis Komputer (UTBK) Seleksi Nasional Berbasis Tes (SNBT) 2025 formally kicked off a major milestone for thousands of Indonesian students looking to gain access to higher education. The test, which continues until Sunday, May 4, 2025, is an important entrance for potential students at the universities throughout the country.
At the Universitas Jambi (UNJA), the inaugural day of the examination was watched closely by officials from the university, including UNJA Rector Prof. Dr. Helmi, S.H., M.H. He was accompanied by other vice rectors and administrative officials who made sure that the examination went smoothly in two major campuses: Mendalo and Telanai.
The UTBK is designed to be held in two sessions a day, with the morning session beginning early and the afternoon session extending into the evening. This year, UNJA registered a remarkable boost in participation, with 10,610 candidates for the UTBK/SNBT test, a rise from 9,412 participants last year. This upsurge indicates the increasing desire for higher education among Indonesian youth.
UNJA has assigned 3,650 positions in 66 study programs in different levels of education, from S1 to D4. Rector Helmi underscored the university's readiness for the exam by saying, "We are very ready in terms of budget, facilities, and local and national committees. The new Hexagonal Building, aided by ADB, is also ready to accommodate the new students' classes for their first and second semesters".
He also urged prospective students to compete seriously in the selection process, hoping that the new Hexagonal Building would become a melting pot of students of different backgrounds and programs. "We open up opportunities for students who are truly eager to study at UNJA. Please compete well, and I hope you succeed in your first choice", he added.
In the meantime, at Universitas Pembangunan Nasional 'Veteran' Jawa Timur, the UTBK also started with great enthusiasm among the participants. On the same day, there were 1,159 participants, of whom 581 in the morning and 588 in the afternoon, who arrived on campus, willing to take the test that might open their gate to higher education.
Members from most of the regions in East Java came early, some of them long distances away. One of them, Beno, 18, testified: "We departed from Madura at midnight. Regardless of how tired we are, it's all worthwhile once we get to this campus. I hope the outcome is fulfilling".
Prof. Euis Nurul Hidayah, MT., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of UPN 'Veteran' Jawa Timur, emphasized the university's thorough preparations for the UTBK. She pointed out a nearly 20 percent increase in participants from the previous year, reflecting increasing confidence in UPN "Veteran" as a comfortable and professional venue for the UTBK.
Interestingly, one of the venues for the examination was the newly opened Faculty of Medicine laboratory, with the purpose of familiarizing the faculty with the public. The examination went on in a smooth manner, with tight supervision and seating arrangements to avoid cheating and ensure the integrity of the process.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Akhmad Fauzi, M.MT., Rector of UPN 'Veteran' Jawa Timur, used the occasion to encourage the candidates. He asked them to be calm, concentrated, and self-assured throughout the exam. "I invite all incoming students not to be afraid and to remain concentrated in responding to the questions of the UTBK. Prepare yourselves to the best of your abilities and utilize this opportunity as the first step towards a bright future. I hope all participants attain optimum results and are accepted into their preferred study programs", he says.
With a sense of preparedness and eagerness from all concerned, both UNJA and UPN 'Veteran' Jawa Timur are hopeful that the UTBK 2025 will be a smooth ride and act as a successful stepping stone for Indonesia's youth. The dedication of these institutions to delivering quality education and a conducive environment for examination is a testament to the significance of this critical moment for students nationwide.
As the UTBK goes on for the coming weeks, not only will it define the destiny of thousands of students but also mirror the ever-changing landscape of Indonesia's education. With each and every candidate fighting for excellence, the desire is that this year's test will bring about a new breed of talented professionals capable of assisting in the development of the country.
