Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The University of Indonesia (UI) has officially suspended the doctoral graduation of Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, due to procedural concerns within the university’s academic processes. This decision, announced on November 12, 2024, follows a series of deliberations by UI’s Board of Trustees, the Academic Senate, the Professorial Council, and university leadership.
The suspension, outlined in a statement by Yahya Cholil Staquf, Chair of UI’s Board of Trustees, acknowledges missteps in how the university awarded Bahlil’s doctorate.
“Given the measures UI has taken, the graduation of BL, a doctoral student at the School of Strategic and Global Studies, is hereby suspended,” the statement read.
This move comes as UI’s investigative team, comprised of senior faculty members and council representatives, examined the doctoral program’s compliance with academic standards. Their assessment scrutinized admission practices, supervisory procedures, publication requirements, and examination processes within the School of Strategic and Global Studies.
In addition to suspending Bahlil’s graduation, UI announced it will pause new admissions to the doctoral program until a comprehensive audit of the program’s academic governance is completed. A forthcoming ethics council meeting will address any potential misconduct in the supervision and assessment of doctoral students in the program.
Amelita Lusia, UI’s Head of Public Relations, confirmed that the university awaits further directives from the Rector’s office on the board’s decision. The controversy over Bahlil’s degree initially erupted after the Mining Advocacy Network (JATAM) raised objections, stating it was referenced in Bahlil’s dissertation on sustainable nickel policy without their consent.
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Responding to the suspension, Bahlil Lahadalia indicated he had not yet reviewed the official notice but acknowledged the program’s timeline for his completion was set for December. He clarified that his dissertation was still undergoing revisions and advised inquiries on the matter be directed to UI.
Bahlil’s accelerated path to earning his doctorate—completed in under two years—has prompted significant public debate in Indonesia, questioning the rigor of academic protocols within the country’s leading university.
(Becky)
