Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Minister, Bahlil Lahadalia, has recently attracted public attention after receiving a doctoral degree from the University of Indonesia (UI).
Bahlil successfully completed his Doctoral Promotion with a dissertation titled “Nickel Downstreaming Policy and Governance for Fair and Sustainable Development in Indonesia.” The event took place at the university’s Strategic and Global Studies Program (SKSG) in Depok on October 16, 2024.
However, Bahlil’s rapid academic progress has sparked controversy online. Social media users have pointed out that he completed his doctorate in just 1 year and 8 months, or three semesters, far shorter than the typical three-year or six-semester timeline.
According to the Higher Education Database of Indonesia (pddikti.kemdikbud.go.id), Bahlil enrolled in the UI doctoral program on February 13, 2023.
In response to this, Amelita Lusia, Head of Public Relations and Information Disclosure at UI, clarified that Bahlil was part of a research-based doctoral track. She explained that UI’s doctoral program offers two paths: coursework and research.
The research path allows candidates to focus primarily on independent research, bypassing traditional classroom requirements. The program’s academic load is between 48–52 credit units (SKS).
Lusia further explained that UI’s research-based track is in line with similar programs offered by other universities. Students on this track may complete their degrees faster, provided they produce high-quality research.
She referenced UI Rector Regulation No. 016 of 2026, which stipulates that doctoral programs are designed to last six semesters but can be completed in as few as four.
Despite the university’s explanations, some remain skeptical of Bahlil’s achievements. Critics have pointed to a previous report by Tempo, which raised concerns about the credibility of his published research.
According to the report, two of Bahlil’s academic papers appeared in questionable journals, including a journal focused on Kurdish studies, which raised questions about their relevance to Indonesia’s nickel industry.
During his doctoral defense, Bahlil was guided by his main advisor, Chandra Wijaya, and co-advisors Teguh Dartanto and Athor Subroto. A panel of prominent academic figures, including Didik Junaidi Rachbini and Arif Satria, served as examiners.
49 Candidates in Prabowo’s Ministerial Cabinet List
Bahlil’s ability to navigate both high-level government responsibilities and academic pursuits has impressed some, but the debate over the legitimacy of his degree and research remains a hot topic in Indonesia.
(Becky)
