Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Controversy has erupted over the University of Indonesia’s (UI) decision to award a doctorate degree to Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia. UI alumni have launched a petition opposing the doctorate degree awarded to Bahlil Lahadalia, alleging that it reflects the commercialization of academic degrees at the university.
As of Monday afternoon, October 21, 2024, the petition on Change.org, titled “Reject the Commercialization of Doctoral Degrees, Preserve Academic Integrity,” had garnered 6,873 signatures. The number of signatories is expected to continue growing.
The petition, initiated by concerned UI alumni, raises serious concerns about the integrity of the doctoral process at the prestigious university. The signatories argue that the speed and ease with which Bahlil obtained his doctorate, allegedly without meeting the rigorous academic research and standards traditionally required, have damaged the prestige and credibility of the degree itself.
The petitioners presented four key demands:
- The formation of an independent investigative team.
- The revocation of Bahlil Lahadalia’s doctorate degree.
- Increased oversight of the university’s doctoral program.
- Public disclosure of the requirements, procedures, and costs related to Bahlil Lahadalia’s doctoral studies at UI.
Not only has the alumni community raised concerns, but UI’s Board of Professors has also stepped in, announcing plans to investigate potential violations in Bahlil graduation from the School of Strategic and Global Studies (SKSG). The board aims to examine whether the process of awarding the doctorate adhered to the university’s academic regulations.
University of Indonesia Launches Investigation into Minister Bahlil Doctoral Degree
In response, Bahlil Lahadalia defended his degree, stating that he had completed the required courses, consultations, seminars, and a public doctoral defense. “I don’t know, that’s an internal campus issue. But I followed the rules, which state that a doctoral program in my field, which is research-based, should take at least four semesters. I’ve completed that,” Bahlil told reporters at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
Bahlil Lahadalia earned his doctorate after successfully passing the public defense at UI’s School of Strategic and Global Studies on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. The defense was held at the Makara Art Center and chaired by Professor Dr. I Ketut Surajaya.
As the debate over Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia degree continues, the petition’s support is expected to grow, adding pressure on UI’s administration to address concerns about academic integrity and transparency.
(Raidi/Agung)
