UMY Criticizes Indonesian Govt Plan to Shut Study Programs

The Indonesian government's contemplation of closing certain university study programs has sparked significant concern, particularly from institutions like Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta (UMY). Tempo, reporting from Jakarta, highlights UMY's Deputy Rector for Education and Student Affairs, Zuly Qodir, who argues that such a drastic measure is misguided. Instead of shutting down programs, UMY proposes a more adaptive approach: curriculum reform. This perspective emphasizes that the core issue isn't an excess of programs, but a potential disconnect between what is taught and the evolving demands of the job market. By involving industry practitioners and bolstering students' non-academic competencies, UMY believes graduates can be better prepared for professional life without eliminating entire fields of study.

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Currently, we choose to make adjustments to the curriculum rather than closing study programs directly

UMY's stance, as detailed by Tempo, is that curriculum enhancement is a more agile solution. It allows universities to respond to the dynamic needs of the times without discarding valuable knowledge domains. This approach involves integrating real-world insights from industry professionals and focusing on developing soft skills, which are increasingly crucial for employability. The university's reasoning suggests that a proactive adjustment of educational content is far more beneficial than a reactive closure of programs. This focus on adaptability and practical relevance resonates strongly within Indonesia, where aligning education with economic development is a constant priority.

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Curriculum enhancement is carried out by involving industry practitioners and strengthening students' non-academic competencies to better prepare them for the job market

Furthermore, Zuly Qodir raises pertinent questions about the government's rationale, pointing out apparent contradictions. He uses the examples of the education and medical sectors, which are often cited as having an oversupply of graduates, yet simultaneously face critical manpower shortages. This paradox, Qodir argues, necessitates a clearer definition of which specific programs are deemed problematic and why. The continued encouragement of new medical faculties, for instance, while discussing the closure of others, suggests a lack of clarity regarding the actual needs – perhaps a demand for specialists rather than general practitioners. UMY's perspective, therefore, calls for a more nuanced discussion, focusing on the quality and relevance of education rather than simply the quantity of programs, a viewpoint that underscores the importance of thoughtful policy-making in Indonesia's higher education landscape.

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The discourse of closing study programs certainly needs more detailed clarification, especially regarding which fields are considered irrelevant