Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (MendiktiSaintek) Stella Christie receive criticism after sharing strategies for studying abroad through a video session on the Ministry’s official YouTube channel.
In the video, titled “Strategy Session for Undergraduate Applications to Foreign Universities,” Christie encourage and offered tips for Indonesian students aiming to pursue higher education overseas. However, the session sparked criticism online, including from prominent Indonesian author Okky Madasari, who accused Christie of acting more like an influencer than a government official.
“As Deputy Minister, what you should be concerned about is: Why do Indonesians still feel the need to pursue undergraduate education abroad? What is wrong, and what needs to be improved in Indonesia’s higher education system?” Madasari wrote, as reported by Tempo.
Government Defends Minister’s Approach
In response to the backlash, Acting Secretary-General of the Ministry, Togar Simatupang, defended Christie, saying her video was indeed aimed to educate and empower Indonesian students seeking opportunities to study abroad.
“In education, there is a principle of opportunity. We must remain inclusive, whether students want to pursue their education domestically or internationally,” Togar said at the Ministry’s office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
Togar added that the initiative aligns with President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s priority program to develop talented human resources in science and technology. Encouraging top talent to gain access to elite institutions abroad, such as Ivy League universities, is part of that agenda, he said.
Addressing criticism that Christie was acting like an influencer, Togar argued that the Deputy Minister’s approach was relatable to Indonesia’s Generation Z. “Stella Christie connects well with young people, and her role in this video was to provide insight and motivation for Indonesia’s youth,” he stated.
President Prabowo’s Education Program
Sending Indonesian students abroad to study science and technology was a key promise during Prabowo’s presidential campaign. The program is intended to improve Indonesia’s human capital and close the gap in advanced technological expertise.
Indonesian Author Criticizes Stella Christie Over Overseas Education Session
Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Deputy Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Gerindra Party and Prabowo’s brother, previously said that the incoming administration plans to provide scholarships for 20,000 Indonesian students to study science and technology in Russia.
“I have heard that President Putin has agreed to allocate special spots for Indonesian students to study medicine, physics, nuclear engineering, and other fields,” Hashim said during a national dialogue event at Podomoro University on Oct. 11.
The debate around Stella Christie YouTube session illustrates the divergent views on current Indonesia’s education system, as the government seeks to balance the need for domestic improvement with creating pathways to global opportunities.
(Raidi/Agung)
