The escalating cost of tuition at state universities (UKT) in Indonesia has sparked widespread public unrest. This situation stands in stark contrast to the 1945 Constitution, which mandates the enhancement of the nation’s intellectual capacity—a goal intrinsically tied to broad access to higher education. As education becomes increasingly out of reach for many, what are the implications for Indonesia’s future? And why do government officials’ responses often seem detached and, at times, absurd?
Government Officials Failing to Communicate
The government’s handling of this issue has been inadequate. A recent statement from a high-ranking official at the Ministry of Education and Culture only exacerbated public frustration. By referring to higher education as “tertiary education,” she implied that not all high school or vocational school graduates need to pursue college. While technically accurate, this statement sidesteps the pressing issue of rising education costs and ignores the broader concern of accessibility.
Moreover, the tone of the statement came across as dismissive, suggesting that obtaining a high school diploma or a degree makes little difference to one’s life trajectory. However, the reality is starkly different. For the wealthy, higher education may be optional, with family businesses or inherited wealth as safety nets. But for the majority, higher education is a critical path to improving socioeconomic status and breaking the cycle of poverty. It doesn’t just shape the individual’s future—it influences the futures of their families and communities.
A Pattern of Poor Communication
This official’s remarks reveal a deeper issue: an inadequate commitment to addressing educational inequalities. It echoes similar instances from President Jokowi, who has frequently expressed surprise at various national challenges, including the low number of postgraduate and doctoral degree holders in Indonesia’s workforce. This repeated “surprise” during his second term reflects a reactive rather than proactive approach to governance, undermining the administration’s strategic planning.
These responses embody a failure of public communication, or what might be termed “government-speak.” Officials often use vague or technically correct language that fails to connect with the public’s concerns. This communication breakdown fosters misunderstandings, escalates public dissatisfaction, and creates an impression of governmental indifference.
Indonesia’s Educational Gap: What the Data Tells Us
The inadequacy of these official responses is particularly troubling given the overwhelming data on Indonesia’s educational deficiencies. Government spending on education, approximately 3.6% of GDP in 2021, falls short of the OECD average of around 5%. Only 13.1% of 25-64 year-olds in Indonesia have attained tertiary education, placing the country 45th out of 46 surveyed nations. More specifically, only 9.5% of 25-64 year-olds and 13.6% of 25-34 year-olds have obtained a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, far below the OECD average of 37.7%.
This educational gap goes beyond bachelor’s degrees. In 2022, only 0.5% of Indonesians held a master’s degree, and a mere 0.02% held a doctoral degree, highlighting the severe shortage of advanced educational qualifications. Meanwhile, a significant percentage of adults (12.7%) have less than primary education, the second highest figure among OECD countries, underscoring the urgent need for educational reform.
These deficiencies affect employment opportunities. The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education is relatively low at 81.1%, ranking 36th out of 45 countries. Conversely, Indonesia has the highest employment rate (74.7%) among those without upper secondary education, reflecting a workforce entering the job market with minimal education. This limits access to higher-paying, skilled jobs, perpetuating socioeconomic inequalities.
The Impact of Educational Attainment
This educational shortfall has far-reaching consequences. A substantial portion of the Indonesian population is missing out on the socio-economic benefits of higher education. Countries with higher educational attainment typically enjoy faster economic growth, lower unemployment, better living standards, and greater innovation. Indonesia’s low percentage of degree holders, however, threatens to stifle its socio-economic development and competitiveness on the global stage.
Research also highlights the “sheepskin effect,” where employers view educational qualifications as proxies for valuable skills, resulting in higher wages for degree holders. Degrees are not just markers of academic achievement—they signal persistence, self-discipline, and other valuable non-academic traits, contributing to better job prospects and higher salaries.
Higher education becomes even more critical during economic downturns. For instance, during the “Great Recession” in Europe and North America, young workers were hit hardest, but those with higher education levels had lower unemployment rates and better job security. Against this backdrop, the dismissal of higher education’s necessity, particularly by government officials, is not only puzzling but deeply troubling.
The Disconnect Between Government Officials and Public Realities
Government officials in Indonesia often seem disconnected from the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens. This detachment can be attributed to the hierarchical structures of the bureaucracy and the privilege of the officials themselves. Coming from more affluent backgrounds, many officials have little direct experience with the challenges faced by the general population, creating an empathy gap that results in policies misaligned with public needs.
The inadequate responses to the education crisis also underscore the dominance of self-interest in Indonesia’s political landscape. Politicians and bureaucrats frequently prioritize personal advancement or re-election over the public good. Consequently, policy outcomes often neglect the pressing needs of the populace.
The Decline of Robust Debate
Equally concerning is the erosion of robust debate in Indonesia’s political discourse. Sharp argumentation is often avoided in the name of maintaining harmony, stifling healthy discussions. This marks a stark departure from Indonesia’s historical tradition of vibrant, intellectual debates among national figures like Soekarno, Hatta, and Syahrir.
The absence of vibrant public discourse undermines democracy. Government officials frequently exhibit discomfort and defensiveness when confronted with evidence that challenges their policies. This often leads them to downplay or ignore criticisms, resulting in ineffective or absurd responses to significant public issues.
In a functioning democracy, open debate and critical discourse are essential. Encouraging disagreement sharpens policy-making, improving planning, process, and implementation. Without this, policies fail to address public needs, and the nation’s well-being is compromised.
Conclusion
When a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Education dismisses the necessity of higher education, echoing the “edgy” sentiments often propagated by influencers, it reflects a worrying disconnect from reality. This mindset brings to mind the concept of “luxury beliefs,” coined by sociologist Rob Henderson. Luxury beliefs, held by the affluent, serve as status symbols but are detached from the harsh realities faced by the less privileged.
In the context of policy-making, luxury beliefs manifest when officials, shielded by privilege, make statements that fail to address the real issues. The notion that higher education is not necessary for everyone is a luxury belief, often espoused by those with economic stability. However, for the majority, higher education is essential for socio-economic mobility and improving life prospects.
Ensuring equitable access to higher education is crucial to reducing economic disparities and promoting upward mobility. It’s not just about economics—a well-educated populace is vital for fostering active citizenship and sustaining a robust democracy.
Editing/Copy editing by AK, Omong-Omong Media Special English Editor
