From print to pixels: the institutional effects of transitioning to computer-based joint admission selection in Indonesian State Universities

Currently, Indonesia has 122 State Universities (PTN) under the Ministry of Education and Culture and other ministries. Improving the quality of the selection process for new student admissions at PTN is critical for Indonesia’s human resources development. Then in 2019, there was a transformation with the implementation of the exam becoming a Computer-Based Written Exam (UTBK) which was previously a Print-Based Written Exam (UTBC). This triggered a change in the organization organizing the selection, which was previously led by PTN in rotation to being led by the Higher Education Entrance Test Institute (LTMPT). Thus, this study aims to analyze the process of compiling organizational design and categorizing the complexity of the organization implementing the selection of state universities in Indonesia. The method used in the participatory research study and data collection used observation and in-depth interviews. The results of this study are based on strategies and directions in implementation, structure and process, and culture and leadership in the implementation of university entrance selection. This study highlights the changes that can be made from a hierarchy to a model heterarchy. Based on this analysis, good planning and management are needed in the organization’s business processes, to implement heterarchical relationships, more inclusive strategies, good financial governance, and leadership.