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.

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.

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 Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has arrested the Rector of the University of Lampung for allegedly receiving IDR5 billion (US$336,000) in bribes from the families of students who failed the university entrance exams known as the autonomous admissions scheme. According to KPK, the ‘autonomous channel’ exam conducted by universities is vulnerable to bribery due to a lack of transparency and specific guidelines from the Ministry of Education, leaving state universities unsupervised.

A 2021 Ministry of Education and Culture survey found that 77% of lecturers in Indonesia admitted that sexual harassment cases happened at their universities, but 63% chose not to report the cases to the police or other relevant institutions. Only 49 out of 122 universities had set up task forces against sexual harassment involving administrative staff, lecturers, and students. Sanctions outlined in the decree include financial penalties for institutions that do not prevent sexual violence and the dismissal or expulsion of perpetrators.

Instead of following the national regulations for granting honorary academic titles, the State University of Jakarta decided to pass its own rules. While politicians want academic titles to boost their public image and reputation, they are concerned about their careers rather than the university itself. “Usually, after the title-granting ceremony, funds or projects come in from the grantee’s office,” said a senior lecturer.

An Indonesian presidential spokesman has stated that the President has called on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to investigate alleged corruption involving the Education and Culture Deputy Minister for Culture.