Bandung, Indonesia Sentinel — The Bandung School of Communication (STIKOM) has made a controversial decision to revoke the graduation status of 233 students who completed their studies between 2018 and 2023. The decision oF STIKOM Bandung, formalized through Decree No. 481/Skep-O/E/Stikom/XII/2024, has sparked significant concerns and left many affected graduates questioning their academic futures.
Reasons Behind the Decision
STIKOM stated that the revocation stems from findings of academic and administrative irregularities among the graduates during the specified period. The college emphasized its commitment to upholding Good University Governance, which necessitated the thorough review of its graduation processes. The decision was based on recommendations from a senate meeting held on December 16, 2024.
The decree highlights:
- Discrepancies in Records: Irregularities were identified in the academic and administrative documentation of graduates.
- Governance Standards: The move is part of an effort to maintain high standards of university governance.
- Senate Approval: The senate played a critical role in the deliberations leading to this decision.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
The decree also cites several legal references to justify its validity:
- Law No. 20/2003 concerning the National Education System.
- Law No. 12/2012 on Higher Education.
- Government Regulation No. 4/2014 on University Administration and Management.
- A directive from the Higher Education Service Institute (LLDIKTI), numbered 0355/E.E3-DT.03.09/2024, which imposed administrative sanctions on STIKOM.
- STIKOM’s operational status for the 2023–2027 period.
These legal provisions were pivotal in the institution’s ability to enforce the decision.
Provisions of the Decree
The decree includes three primary provisions:
- List of Affected Graduates: The decree identifies specific names of graduates whose degrees have been invalidated.
- Immediate Implementation: The decision takes effect from the date of issuance.
- Opportunity for Corrections: STIKOM has stated that any errors in the decree will be corrected promptly.
Impact on Graduates
The cancellation of degrees has significant implications for the affected individuals, many of whom have been working in professional capacities based on their qualifications. This decision casts doubt on their eligibility for their roles and could disrupt their career trajectories.
Additionally, the revocation tarnishes STIKOM’s reputation, raising questions about its internal systems and oversight during the specified period. Critics have called for greater transparency from the institution regarding the irregularities that led to this drastic action.
Response and Next Steps
As of now, STIKOM has not provided further clarification or responded to media inquiries. Graduates and their families are reportedly seeking legal recourse and demanding a clear explanation from the institution.
The Higher Education Service Institute (LLDIKTI) may also face scrutiny for its role in overseeing the governance of educational institutions, particularly STIKOM. This case underscores the need for robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure academic and administrative integrity across Indonesia’s higher education landscape.
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Conclusion
STIKOM’s decision to revoke the graduation status of 233 students is unprecedented and reflects broader challenges in maintaining governance standards in higher education. While the institution asserts its commitment to Good University Governance, the decision has left a trail of uncertainty for its graduates, whose academic and professional futures hang in the balance.
Further developments are awaited as stakeholders demand accountability and seek to address the far-reaching consequences of this decision.
(Becky)
