Higher Education in Indonesia

Higher learning in Indonesia has diverse roots extending back over centuries. Now, however, as one of the larger systems worldwide, it has goals to widen access and enhance quality, including the development of one or two world-class universities. The mushrooming of an extensive private sector, not always well regulated, has meant that, with few exceptions, it tends to be of lower quality than public sector higher education institutions. Two main ministries, one devoted to Islamic education, are responsible for the administration of the sector, but the extent of its growth has made effective and transparent quality assurance standards difficult to maintain. Equity, too, remains an issue, with poorer students often paying more for an inferior education. Modest regionalization efforts are ongoing, as are moves toward devoting more autonomy to at least a few of its leading universities. But significant challenges remain, including inequities, quality assurance, corruption, and some extremist elements.