In the media

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) of Indonesia is set to embed anti-corruption education into the national curriculum. The idea is to break the current vicious cycle of corruption, where young people in their 20s and 30s are already committing acts of corruption. The idea is to foster a culture of integrity and ethical behaviour among future generations, and to reduce corruption through anti-corruption education from an early age.

The procurement of over one million Chromebooks (2019–2022) has triggered a corruption probe into Indonesia’s Education Ministry. Losses are estimated at Rp1.98 trillion (approx. 121.4 million USD). At least 28 witnesses have been questioned, exposing transparency failures and underscoring the urgent need for stronger governance, accountability, and reforms in the education sector.

A global Research Integrity Risk Index placed over a dozen top Indonesian universities in high-risk zones due to systemic integrity issues. The Ministry of Higher Education urged institutions to prioritize research quality and ethics over publication quantity. Critics cite unrealistic academic demands, weak oversight, and flawed incentives as contributors to unethical practices. The report has sparked calls for reform and greater emphasis on academic integrity in Indonesia’s higher education system.

Indonesia's Attorney General's Office is investigating alleged widespread corruption in an IDR 9.9 trillion (approx. $619 million) laptop procurement project (2019-2022) at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. Investigators suspect significant price markups, volume reductions, or even fictitious procurement of educational assets.

Indonesia is set to implement school revitalization measures starting in January 2025. This initiative will affect 10,000 schools, bringing changes to curricula, infrastructure, teaching staff, and learning materials. However, the allocated budget for this effort has faced significant challenges, including corruption and embezzlement by school administrations and regional officials. The article calls on the government to take a firm and professional stance against bribery.

A recent Institute for East European Studies study highlights the significant threat hijacked journals pose to scientific integrity. The research reveals that papers in these journals exhibit extremely high levels of plagiarism, with 66% of the sample containing plagiarized content. Most of these papers come from authors in developing countries, suggesting that weaker ethical norms and research practices contribute to the problem.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has released the 2023 Education Integrity Assessment Survey (SPI), revealing corrupt practices in Indonesia’s school admission processes. The survey, based on input from students, educators, teachers, and educational institutions, found that 24.6% of teachers admitted some students were accepted after offering “gifts” to the school. Additionally, 42.4% reported that unqualified students were still admitted due to parental bribes. This report highlights the urgent need to address deeply rooted corruption within schools and families, calling for stronger principles to combat unethical practices.

A recent survey by Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission revealed corrupt practices in student admissions. The survey found that a significant number of teachers reported that students gained admission through bribes. This highlights a broader issue where corrupt behavior, such as accepting gifts for special treatment, is present in educational institutions.

The Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture has revoked 31 private higher education licences after finding that the institutions did not meet the required standards in terms of facilities and student numbers, that teaching was poor, and that there had been allegations of bogus courses and fraudulent issuing of diplomas. The Ministry will help students from the institutions concerned to transfer to accredited institutions. Teachers who are found not to have been involved in the fraudulent schemes will receive the same assistance, otherwise, they will be blacklisted.

Schools and regions can now use the data from the online Indonesian Education Report Card platform to identify problems, find solutions, and improve the quality of education and the equitable distribution of learning outcomes. Following several improvements recommended by the Education Report Card, Al Mujahidin Junior High School drafted teaching modules and learning objectives, 80 percent of teachers carried out differentiated learning, and student achievement improved.