Indonesian academic unions flag threats to academic freedom in new education bill

Indonesian academic unions have raised significant concerns about the latest draft of the National Education System Bill (RUU Sisdiknas), identifying at least 15 problematic clauses. A primary worry centers on provisions that could potentially limit academic freedom for lecturers and increase the control of universities over the execution of their academic responsibilities, known as 'tridarma'.

Dhia Al Uyun, chair of the Serikat Pekerja Kampus (SPK), stated that while the bill aims to be an umbrella law and accommodates inclusivity and local content, its core substance remains deeply flawed. Specifically, Article 188, letter 'a,' which mandates that 'tridarma' activities must be carried out according to university assignments, is seen as a direct threat to academic freedom. "Various research and community service activities unfavorable to the authorities and financiers influencing the campus will not be recognized as completed work," Dhia explained.

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Various research and community service activities unfavorable to the authorities and financiers influencing the campus will not be recognized as completed work.

Beyond academic freedom, the unions, including Kaukus Indonesia untuk Kebebasan Akademik (KIKA) and Perhimpunan Pendidikan dan Guru (P2G), argue that the bill neglects crucial issues such as teacher and lecturer welfare, job security, and the right to organize. They contend that the draft risks reinforcing the subjugation of campuses and educational institutions to government interests rather than empowering the community. "This bill does not solve today's problems regarding the welfare of teachers and lecturers, job security, academic freedom, freedom of association, and the certainty of the work status of civil servant teachers. Instead, it strengthens the submission of campuses and educational institutions to government interests," Dhia asserted.

Further criticisms include the bill's failure to integrate existing educational regulations, potentially leading to overlapping rules. The unions also feel the bill shifts the focus of education away from community empowerment towards a government-designed agenda. They highlight a lack of adequate protection for teachers and lecturers in private institutions, insufficient provisions for professional mobility, and the absence of a clear minimum wage for lecturers, leaving welfare matters to internal institutional mechanisms. The draft also fails to address challenges posed by the digital era and artificial intelligence, lacks clarity on educational financing components, and contains internal contradictions.

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This bill does not solve today's problems regarding the welfare of teachers and lecturers, job security, academic freedom, freedom of association, and the certainty of the work status of civil servant teachers. Instead, it strengthens the submission of campuses and educational institutions to government interests.