Indonesia: 1,384 Medical Graduates Face Exam Retakes

Indonesia's Ministry of Higher Education has reported that 1,384 medical graduates, known as "retakers," have not yet passed their professional competency exams as of the end of 2025. This figure represents approximately 1% of the total 130,655 students who have taken the exam since 2014.

“

The number of 1,384 retakers is actually 1 percent of the total participants who took the competency exam since 2014, which was 130,655 students.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Fauzan, explained that 1,008 of these retakers still have a chance to pass, as they have not exceeded the five-year study limit. These students are in their fifth to tenth semester of retake studies and can take the exam up to 12 times. However, 376 students have exhausted their study period and are no longer eligible.

Fauzan clarified that only these 376 students are at risk of dropping out, refuting claims that thousands face this outcome. He detailed that 46 of them failed the November 2025 exam, while 330 did not take it before their study period ended. The ministry has urged universities to provide intensive guidance for students nearing their study limits and to offer alternative pathways for those unable to complete their medical program. These alternatives include using their Bachelor of Medicine degree for other studies or entering the workforce.

“

The statement that thousands of prospective doctors are at risk of dropping out is not true; it is 376.

Furthermore, the ministry has requested universities to waive tuition fees for students not attending classes and only awaiting their next exam opportunity. Currently, 16 universities have either abolished these fees or only charge administrative costs for the exam. The ministry has issued warnings and is preparing administrative sanctions for institutions that have not complied with these directives.

“

So there are other options that can be provided.