Raising Indonesia’s Higher Education Competitiveness
B2G
27.06.2025
B2B
ASIA
In the world’s fourth most populous country, comprised of 17000 islands, establishing a seamless system of higher education is exceptionally challenging. According to Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto, Indonesia currently has 4,416 universities, with only 125 of them being state-run institutions.
Being also one of the world’s youngest economies — with almost 50% of Indonesians under the age of 30 — the demand for higher education in Indonesia will continue to increase, making it even more challenging for the government to provide wider access to higher education and enhance its quality across both public and private institutions to ensure that graduates are competitive for top jobs in their respective fields.
In its recent study, Omniki.Survey gauged public opinion to determine the extent to which Indonesians view international certification and the presence of international universities as factors that could enhance institutional competitiveness and improve the quality of education.
In its recent study, Omniki.Survey gauged public opinion to determine the extent to which Indonesians view international certification and the presence of international universities as factors that could enhance institutional competitiveness and improve the quality of education.
Public Support for International Certification
Public Support for International Certification
67.5% of respondents found international certification beneficial. Interestingly, the respondents currently enrolled in various institutions and those planning to do so showed equal enthusiasm about international certification with those who are currently not seeking a university degree.
A very high incentive (the highest was found among Indonesians aged 55-64) to enroll in a local branch of a foreign university was indicated among respondents across all age groups.
Adding to that, more than half of the respondents (50.9%) would be willing to pay more if a local university had top international accreditation.
30% (Great job after getting degree) of those polled expressed a strong belief that the ability of graduates to secure a job after graduation is an important factor influencing the institution's reputation, extending beyond Indonesia. Considering that youth unemployment in Indonesia is currently four times higher than the overall unemployment, this insight may reveal a shared concern among study participants — a university degree does not guarantee future success in the job market.
Hidden Concern of Indonesians
Just recently, Indonesia announced its plans to strengthen higher education partnership with Mongolia through joint research, mobility programs, and the exchange of lecturers and professors. This government initiative is reflective of the study findings, where Global ties was listed among the top five suggestions from the public likely to help Indonesia's higher-education providers better compete in the global academic arena. You can learn more about people’s suggestions to help Indonesian universities to compete globally by downloading our report.
Debunking A Myth
While public universities arguably provide better quality education due to the majority of state-run universities enjoying higher rankings based on performance, global presence, and academic excellence, and also having stricter regulations imposed on them, the majority of the respondents (43.5%) did not draw a bold line between the two having stated that Both are equally capable.
Key Obstacles to Matching Global Standards
In early 2025, the budget for the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology was cut by almost 25% in Indonesia, sparking waves of protests among students across the country. The measures include austerity-driven cuts that directly affect the education budget, a costly government feeding scheme, and an expanded new cabinet.
When Omniki.Survey asked respondents what they thought was the biggest challenge for Indonesian universities to match global standards, more than a third stated it was due to Too much bureaucracy. Not enough money and Few top professors/research were also viewed as significant challenges.
To sum up, the higher education system in Indonesia is very complex and faces numerous challenges due to the country's unique geography and uneven population distribution. The island of Java, for instance, is home to over 150 million people and hosts 80% of the nation’s accredited universities. However, to establish what influences people’s decisions in choosing a certain university over others, further research is needed. Omniki.Survey is well-positioned to conduct this research across all regions, ensuring inclusive engagement with stakeholders, regardless of their location, social status, gender, or religion.
When Omniki.Survey asked respondents what they thought was the biggest challenge for Indonesian universities to match global standards, more than a third stated it was due to Too much bureaucracy. Not enough money and Few top professors/research were also viewed as significant challenges.
To sum up, the higher education system in Indonesia is very complex and faces numerous challenges due to the country's unique geography and uneven population distribution. The island of Java, for instance, is home to over 150 million people and hosts 80% of the nation’s accredited universities. However, to establish what influences people’s decisions in choosing a certain university over others, further research is needed. Omniki.Survey is well-positioned to conduct this research across all regions, ensuring inclusive engagement with stakeholders, regardless of their location, social status, gender, or religion.
About Omniki.Survey
Omniki.Survey uses a river-sampling method for data collection from unbiased respondents, screening out quick fills and illogical answers to ensure that the data gathered is reliable and robust.
Using the best practices of sociological science Omniki.Survey delivers the basic facts and helps both governmental authorities and companies gain the necessary insight for positive change to happen.
Leave your email and receive a report with the following data on Indonesian Higher Education:
Using the best practices of sociological science Omniki.Survey delivers the basic facts and helps both governmental authorities and companies gain the necessary insight for positive change to happen.
Leave your email and receive a report with the following data on Indonesian Higher Education:
- Students' view on certification
- Willingness to pay more for a degree
- University success factors
- Key university challenges
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This is a study on Higher Education in Indonesia. Omniki.survey conducted this study in May 2025. Surveying 1,200 respondents from Indonesia, Omniki researched public opinion to determine the extent to which Indonesians view international certification and the presence of international universities as factors that could enhance institutional competitiveness and improve the quality of education. Omniki.survey employs the river-sampling technique, ensuring the most impartial responses.
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