UK's "Prevent Strategy" linked to rights abuses in Indonesia

[Samoerai]

University of Indonesia In 1946, the Dutch colonial government established the Nood Universiteit or Emergency University at Jakarta. In 1947, the name was changed to Universiteit van Indonesië (UVI) or Universitas Indonesia.

The Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB)
"The history of engineering university in Indonesia dates back to the 20th century, when the Dutch colonial government established De Technische Hoogeschool te Bandung (THS) on July 3, 1920, on a 30-hectare plot of land in Bandung. At that time, there was only one faculty, de Faculteit van Technische Wetenschap and only one major, namely de afdeeling der We gen Waterbouw. The establishment of this engineering school was to fulfill the needs of technical personnel or engineers due to the outbreak of the First World War."

Both are known as one of the oldest as well as the best Universities and Institute of Technology in Indonesia

In Malaysia, and Singapore the predecessor of the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur and the National University of Singapore in Singapore were King Edward VII Medical College (KEMC).https://www.um.edu.my/our-history
Both are nowadays known as one of the best universities in Asia.

Graduating from THS Bandung will give you the title 'ingenieur (ir.)'.

 

[pantaiema]

Graduating from THS Bandung will give you the title 'ingenieur (ir.).

The first President of Indonesia Ir.Sukarno graduated from ITB and held the title Ingenieur (Ir.). Additionally, at that time numerous gifted Indonesian students, were sent to continue study in the Netherlands who later pursued careers as academics, professors, doctors, and lawyers within Indonesia.

They continued their education from diverse top universities in the Netherlands such as for Engineering at TU Delft, Medicine at the University of Amsterdam (UvA), and Law at Leiden University.

 

[Samoerai]

The first President of Indonesia Ir.Sukarno graduated from ITB and held the title Ingenieur (Ir.). Additionally, at that time numerous gifted Indonesian students, were sent to continue study in the Netherlands who later pursued careers as academics, professors, doctors, and lawyers within Indonesia.

They continued their education from diverse top universities in the Netherlands such as for Engineering at TU Delft, Medicine at the University of Amsterdam (UvA), and Law at Leiden University.

Gibran?

 

[centurion]

The first President of Indonesia Ir.Sukarno graduated from ITB and held the title Ingenieur (Ir.). Additionally, at that time numerous gifted Indonesian students, were sent to continue study in the Netherlands who later pursued careers as academics, professors, doctors, and lawyers within Indonesia.

They continued their education from diverse top universities in the Netherlands such as for Engineering at TU Delft, Medicine at the University of Amsterdam (UvA), and Law at Leiden University.

The number of indigenous University graduates was very small. That is probably one of the causes Indonesia lagging the world development until these days, with education system at the bottom of the civilized countries measuring education (PISA etc).

 

[centurion]

That's what many said about TimTim. It hasn't happened yet.

East Timor has a petroleum sovereign fund with almost 18 billion USD in it.

If they stayed in Indonesia, that money would be in Jakarta. Big misconception from salty overproud Indonesians is that they are eating rocks in Timor Leste, while the opposite is thrue.

Timor-Leste Petroleum Fund - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Samoerai]

The number of indigenous University graduates was very small. That is probably one of the causes Indonesia lagging the world development until these days, with education system at the bottom of the civilized countries measuring education (PISA etc).

There was a 'brain drain' ...

Between 1945 and 1965 about 300,000 persons left Indonesia, almost the complete European community, in five big “waves”. The majority went abroad in this period. Main destination were the Netherlands, others directly went to the United States (especially the “Sunshine” state California), Australia or Spain.

 

[centurion]

There was a 'brain drain' ...

Between 1945 and 1965 about 300,000 persons left Indonesia, almost the complete European community, in five big “waves”. The majority went abroad in this period. Main destination were the Netherlands, others directly went to the United States (especially the “Sunshine” state California), Australia or Spain.

These are not the indigineous graduates.

 

[harryopal1]

Setting up places of higher learning in colonies had the advantage of helping create a buffer group with the local population who might also be used for administrative purposes and, as is often the case with private schools, inculcate a sense of superiority over the ordinary masses. Also useful for expats with children needing education. Overall not a bad practice but hardly altruistic.

 

[Bob]

University of Indonesia (UI) The roots of UI date back to 1851. At that time, the colonial government of the Dutch East Indies established a school to train medical assistants. Training lasted for two years, and the graduates were certified to provide basic medical treatments . In 1947, the name was changed to Universiteit van Indonesië (UVI) or Universitas Indonesia.

University of Indonesia - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

The Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB)

History

History

www.itb.ac.id

"The history of engineering university in Indonesia dates back to the 20th century, when the Dutch colonial government established De Technische Hoogeschool te Bandung (THS) on July 3, 1920, on a 30-hectare plot of land in Bandung. At that time, there was only one faculty, de Faculteit van Technische Wetenschap and only one major, namely de afdeeling der We gen Waterbouw. The establishment of this engineering school was to fulfill the needs of technical personnel or engineers due to the outbreak of the First World War."

In the initial period of these two oldest universities, faculty members, professors were brought in from Dutch universities. Likewise, instructional resources, including textbooks and library materials, were sourced from Dutch academic institutions.

Both are known as one of the oldest as well as the best Universities and Institute of Technology in Indonesia

In Malaysia, and Singapore the predecessor of the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur and the National University of Singapore in Singapore were King Edward VII Medical College (KEMC).https://www.um.edu.my/our-history
Both are nowadays known as one of the best universities in Asia.

That's interesting, thanks. Even with those schools the educational opportunities for locals was extremely limited. Illiteracy was around 90% in 1940, speaking of Indonesia.
The colonists didn't put much money or effort at all into human development. That's understandable in a way since that's not the reason for having colonies, and an uneducated population is easier to rule by force. Unfortunately the new management hasn't been outstanding in education either.

 

[Bob]

East Timor has a petroleum sovereign fund with almost 18 billion USD in it.

If they stayed in Indonesia, that money would be in Jakarta. Big misconception from salty overproud Indonesians is that they are eating rocks in Timor Leste, while the opposite is thrue.

Timor-Leste Petroleum Fund - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I believe the point was that if one area left there would be a rush for the exists, which hasn't happened.
Just think of what that fund would be if the Aussies hadn't fleeced them.

 

[harryopal1]

I believe the point was that if one area left there would be a rush for the exists, which hasn't happened.
Just think of what that fund would be if the Aussies hadn't fleeced them.

Ahh yes, but otherwise we are quite nice to the East Timorese. Just as after having fleeced Australia's indigenous people and assuming, as has been the habit for ages, that anything of value was better off being taken by the white race we have become more "respectful" of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders and are now given to making statements at major public venues and even at the start of some television programmes by saying, "We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land". Not that we want them to have more control over that land but anyway, it is a gesture that doesn't cost too much

 

[Shadrach]

That's interesting, thanks. Even with those schools the educational opportunities for locals was extremely limited. Illiteracy was around 90% in 1940, speaking of Indonesia.
The colonists didn't put much money or effort at all into human development. That's understandable in a way since that's not the reason for having colonies, and an uneducated population is easier to rule by force. Unfortunately the new management hasn't been outstanding in education either.

As to the new management, along with the past ones I've seen. Making the poor people pay for The schools, Teachers, Books, military style uniforms, is an outrage! My Bali Friend, says it is really hard for his family to cover these costs! It would be an outstanding, thing for the Public Schools grades (1-12), to be payed for by the Government! After that, University, then, could be payed by the general public! It's a lot cheaper than buying military equipment!

 

[Bob]

Ahh yes, but otherwise we are quite nice to the East Timorese. Just as after having fleeced Australia's indigenous people and assuming, as has been the habit for ages, that anything of value was better off being taken by the white race we have become more "respectful" of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders and are now given to making statements at major public venues and even at the start of some television programmes by saying, "We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land". Not that we want them to have more control over that land but anyway, it is a gesture that doesn't cost too much

It's the thought that counts, as they say.

 

[harryopal1]

As to the new management, along with the past ones I've seen. Making the poor people pay for The schools, Teachers, Books, military style uniforms, is an outrage! My Bali Friend, says it is really hard for his family to cover these costs! It would be an outstanding, thing for the Public Schools grades (1-12), to be payed for by the Government! After that, University, then, could be payed by the general public! It's a lot cheaper than buying military equipment!

That raises an interesting question. Which countries are the perceived potential enemies for Indonesia which requires expenditure for 2024 of Rp 139.27 trillion = $13,209,938,843 Aus?

 

[snpark]

The country of Bali

 

[jstar]

There was a 'brain drain' ...

These are not the indigineous graduates.

Unfortunately the new management hasn't been outstanding in education either.

I can’t say anything bad of the University of Indonesia and the Bandung Technology Institute from a ‘knowledge transfer’ perspective.

But the whole educational system has not really evolved with the goal of having students being critical thinkers. And even in these two high level institutions the corruption level is quite high.

The brain drain of the intelligentsia is still ongoing. Many students abroad don’t want to come back. Why would they if they make much more money over there for doing the same job, have local partners, enjoy more personal freedom, …. ?

And when they come back, many end up having to take over the pet shop / tool store / …. from their parents. Great way to put your Master’s into practice

 

[pantaiema]

As to the new management, along with the past ones I've seen. Making the poor people pay for The schools, Teachers, Books, military style uniforms, is an outrage! My Bali Friend, says it is really hard for his family to cover these costs! It would be an outstanding, thing for the Public Schools grades (1-12), to be payed for by the Government! After that, University, then, could be payed by the general public! It's a lot cheaper than buying military equipment!

In Indonesia, elementary school (SD) and junior high school (SMP), which are quite similar to GCSE in England & Wales, are mandatory, as stated in Law UU No. 20/2003.

To comply with this, the government has built tons of SD Inpres (elementary schools including in the remote areas funded by the state budget via presidential decrees. For junior high school, there are tons of state-funded schools where students could get a free education. For the state schools and all of theteaching infrastructure and facilities, books, libraries, PCs are funded by the state. The teacher, teaching assistanst are civil servants. The teacher salaries, teacher trainings, CPD or PDP are all funded paid by the taxpayers / government.

But what frequently happens is that the schools / the headmasters still collect money from the parents, stating it's for development funding for facilities. More frequently, this funding ends up being distributed among the staffs to increase salaries. Also the quality of SD Inpres building are very poor, the major winner here are cotractors who are appointed to built the schools.

But the more serious issue here is that they are acting as a bank asking these school children to save money for their future education. The money will be kept by the schools admin/ the headmasters with promise it will be returned to students once these school children complete their elementary, Junior high school education and continue their studies in another institution. What sometimes happens and it is frequently exposed in the news is that, in many cases these school children will not get their saving back, as the money has gone stolen and spent by their own teachers, headmasters. They are not just stealing these school children's money but also their futures. The news about this has been provided in the previous discussions here:

Indonesia & Corruption: a few articles in the past few weeks

Indonesian Communication minister arrested in connection with huge corruption scandal "...causing a huge hole in the public treasury." o_O

www.expatindo.org

 

[pantaiema]

The number of indigenous University graduates was very small. That is probably one of the causes Indonesia lagging the world development until these days, with education system at the bottom of the civilized countries measuring education (PISA etc).

Entering the favourable state universities in Indonesia via standard entry examination is actually exceptionally challenging. Typically it is only very exceptional and talented students will gain entry. One could draw comparisons to the difficulty of gaining admission to prestigious institutions in asia like IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) in India or Tsinghua or Beijing University in China.

In countries in Europe like Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Finland, etc., universities are normally state-funded. The staffs, professors salaries, building, teaching and research faculties are all funded by the state and/or donations. Getting funding from the state, they do not collect money from the student. Typically, it is only exceptional student with remarkable high School, A-Level grade/result could study at the universities with free tuition fees. The taxpayers / states get their money back as these highly competitive individuals will normally end up in high paying job which in return will pay high amount of tax or working in the profession that mostly needed by the society such as doctors, dentists, engineers, scientists, teachers, professors, etc.

In Indonesia, there's been a trend towards admission the so called the non-subsidized route. Nowadays, even students with lack of talent, intelligent who cannot pass the standard entrance examinations can still gain entry to favoured state universities and programs through non-traditional means, primarily through a special route: MONEY.

21 PTN Punya Kuota 50 Persen pada Jalur Mandiri 2023

Ingin mendaftar jalur mandiri di PTN pilihanmu? Cek mana saja PTN yang punya kuota jalur mandiri 2023 sampai 50 persen.

www.kompas.com

In 2023, it's estimated that 50% of students enrolled at state universities using this non-standard, non-subsidized route. Even lesser-known state universities in small cities are demanding substantial sums, often in the hundreds of millions of rupiah, for sought-after courses such as medicine, dentistry, and engineering, IT. A few hundred millions of rupiah is just development fund alone. In the top of that the students in the non subsidised route will still need to pay millions of rupiahs every semester tuition fees, remarkably much higher then the non-standard route. As a matter of comparison how fars this collected money could go in Indonesia; reasonable number of highly ranked private universities in Indonesia are charging tuition fees less than these state funded universities, yet they still survive and produce quality graduate. Many of these private university graduates could still compete with graduate from state universities. Private universities need to survive on their own as they need to pay their staffs, professors, funding their own teaching and research universities. They get funding assistance from the state and donations in a few occasion, but it is very limited funding, the major universities running cost e.g salaries and pensions of the the staffs/professors are still paid from the money collected via tuition fees.

This money collected by state universities is often labelled as development funding for universities. However, it's frequently treated as their own money once collected, ending up being distributed among staff to top up salaries.

In Indonesia, as usual they tend to cherry pick by adopting the selective aspects of these funding models when it suits them while disregarding others. State universities in Indonesia are primarily state-funded, meaning administrative staffs, professors, and other employees are civil servants paid by the state. Also because they are civil servants their salaries and pensions are paid by the states (not by the universities). Civil servants in Indonesia get generous pension (by Indonesian standard) paid by the states. Teaching and research Facilities, buildings, and land, laboratories are all already funded and provided by the states/ taxpayers, similar funding model to state universities in Europe.

What distinguishes Indonesian state universities is their continued direct collection of substantial sums of money (could be a few hundred millions rupiahs) from students who don't pass the standard entrance exams, known as the non-subsidized route which accounting for 50% of admissions. This collected money often ends up in the hands of top management, such as vice chancellors, rectors, deans while the rest are distributed among staffs to top up salaries.

Collecting tuition fees directly is not uncommon for top private universities around the world. But they are private universities while in Indonesia they are state universities where vast majorities of the staffs are civil servants. For private universities, they are required to secure funding by their own to pay staff, professors salaries/pensions providing their own facilities, etc. If they can not secure funding, can not compete, mismanage the funds, allow the development fund to be corrupted in a large scale, they will not survive and will extinct. Many top universities worldwide are private and rely on the tuition fees, to pay staffs, professors, teaching and research facilities. They might also get donations, grants to build facilities, to provide scholarship for bright but disadvantage students.

In Indonesia while all of the staffs, professors are civil servants getting paid by the states, teaching and research facilities are all provided and funded by the state but they keep collecting money to admit students via non standard who are not capable to compete in the standard entry examination. As it is a direct collection there will be less accountability. This money is frequently ending up to be distributed among the staffs, to top up salaries rather than as initially intended for development. Also this non standard route might contribute the quality of doctors, that quite often highlight in the news where many of them getting mocked by the foreign doctor's in reputable hospitals in neighbouring countries such as in Singapore for misdiagnose.

Numerous instances of this have been reported in the news, and here are a few examples:

Kasus Korupsi Dana SPI, Rektor Nonaktif Universitas Udayana Bali Divonis Bebas

Rektor non-aktif Unud Bali, I Nyoman Gde Antara, divonis bebas dalam kasus korupsi dana SPI mahasiswa baru jalur mandiri tahun akademik 2018-2022.

denpasar.kompas.com

Eks Wakil Rektor Unila Terpidana Kasus Korupsi Meninggal di Lapas

Seorang terpidana kasus korupsi penerimaan mahasiswa baru Universitas Lampung (Unila), Prof Heriyandi, meninggal dunia.

news.detik.com

Berita Terbaru Tentang Korupsi Perguruan Tinggi Hari Ini 20 September 2026

Baca berita terbaru tentang korupsi-perguruan-tinggi di sini. Informasi terkini seputar korupsi-perguruan-tinggi yang akurat dan terpercaya.

koran.tempo.co

 

[Samoerai]

But what frequently happens is that the schools / the headmasters still collect money from the parents, stating it's for development funding for facilities.

But also ... children quit school, because they have to work, to support their parents.
They are called: "Anak putus sekolah". We met a lot of them working in the service industry, e.g. Solaria, Salad Stop, Bami GM ...

Some of them want to enter the university, but it's impossible as the parents don't have money.

Berapa Jumlah Anak Putus Sekolah di Indonesia? | Pusat Data Ekonomi dan Bisnis Indonesia | Databoks

Jumlah anak putus sekolah semenjak pandemi Covid-19 cenderung menurun. Meski demikian, angka putus sekolah pada tingkat sekolah dasar (SD) masih tergolong yang paling tinggi

databoks.katadata.co.id

 

[centurion]

I believe the point was that if one area left there would be a rush for the exists, which hasn't happened.
Just think of what that fund would be if the Aussies hadn't fleeced them.

Aussies did not fleece them (much) and if Indonesians kept the country, there would be nothing, as it was the case (i.e. Bob Hasan choped all the sandalwood from the island,which TL was famous for).

18 billion USD for1 million population is enough pocket money to do what you want.