J

an. 11, p7

Globally, the number of internationally mobile students is increasing rapidly, reflecting the expansion of enrolment in higher education, which has grown by 78 percent in a decade.

According to UNESCO data, at least 3.6 million students in 2010 were enrolled in higher education abroad, up from 2 million in 2000. (By Said Irandoust, Jakarta)

Your comments:

To pick a starting point in the middle, the role model Indonesia should not follow is the Gulf States. While the selected universities these Gulf States chose may be '€œgood'€, it appears that the perceived status of these institutions has also informed the selection process.

While the author speaks of institutional changes, there is the cultural aspect as well. Can Indonesia foster an innovative research and education environment in a culture where questioning your superior is frowned upon (or worse, career suicide)?

In my country of origin, at the end of your University education you are expected or encouraged to exceed your supervisor. Here, you must still bow low. I have seen '€œsuperiors'€ give lectures or berate students even though the words they speak are wrong, and the student politely nods and agrees. This culture must change if the goals outlined in the article are to be achieved.

This is a generational change. Can Indonesian think 20 years ahead?

Start by rewarding the younger generations with scholarships earlier and not to the '€œold guard'€, many of whom appear to gain these scholarships as a kind of reward for time spent in the (corrupt/bureaucratic) system and not necessarily for their innate talent or skill.

The younger researchers I have met, however, are frequently held back by the aged superiors, who probably feel threatened.

John Elliott

Can Indonesia become a research, development and innovation hub in Southeast Asia?

It can but serious changes need to be made in the way higher learning is organized, including the associated regulatory framework.

I like the way Said expresses his optimism. I believe it'€™s going to take a lot of effort, but Indonesia can do a lot of things to progress. The government has to be very serious and implement a plan with goals. Both state and private universities need to be embraced.

The top 50 Indonesian universities offer international programs, according to a book published by the Directorate General of Higher Education (DIKTI). This is great news. However, some universities listed in the book are not prepared for internationalization.

Learn from other ASEAN countries. Malaysia and Singapore are far advanced, so of course we can learn from them. Thailand, The Philippines and Vietnam are also good role models. It'€™s never too late to learn something from others.

Betet

The Internationalization of higher learning is pivotal because economic trade is opening up. We cannot avoid highly skilled workers from other countries trying to compete in Indonesia. However, we can provide good higher education for the young generation.

Young people should be encouraged to study abroad and they should be given sufficient funding to do so comfortably.

Unfortunately, most scholarships offered do not cover the living costs of family members, making people reluctant to pursue the chance to study abroad.

Mocha