Authors: Imanudin Kudus; Heru Nurasa; Ida Widianingsih; Nina Karlina (Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia); Jayum Anak Jawan (Universiti Putra Malaysia).
Indonesia’s university admission selection system has undergone profound transformations from the colonial era to the present. Employing a narrative approach and organizational change theory, this article traces the dynamics, challenges, and opportunities across each stage of development.

The research reveals that the evolution of the system reflects not only technical improvements but also shifts in social, political, and economic values within higher education. From social discrimination in the colonial era, the military-based education model under Japanese occupation, to decentralization and digitalization in the reform and contemporary periods, each phase illustrates broader systemic change.

In today’s context, technologies such as the Computer-Based Written Test (UTBK) have accelerated transparency and efficiency. Yet persistent challenges remain: inequities in access, human resource quality, and curriculum relevance to labor market needs.

The article suggests evidence-based strategies to strengthen the system, including enhanced technological integration, equity in access, and stronger collaboration between universities, industry, and government. Such measures are vital to building an inclusive, competitive, and globally relevant higher education system. The findings align with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)