Policy Reforms in Higher Education in Indonesia

The most appreciated achievement of Indonesian development is in education sector. In 1994, Indonesia launched the nine year compulsory education. Establishment of the higher education dates back to the early 1920's. The first national university founded in 1949. In the early fifties, the higher education restructured into five national universities. These universities which became resource Institutions in the development of other universities in Indonesia. During the first two decates after the independence, the number of the universities has increased rapidly. However, the demand of secondary and high level education has exceeded the capacity could be provided by the available public budget. To fill the gap the private sector was invited to participate in the education activities. However, the government partly supports all the private universities. Other than the Ministry of Higher Education and Culture, there are institutions conducted by some ministries. Equal access, quality of education, the relevancy of education, and effeciency of education, are four main issues in the development of the higher education. Because of the disparities in quality, some measures are developed. The policy reforms in the management of higher education is to achive continous and sustainable improvement of the quality. 
by: Bambang soehendro, 
Deirctor General of Higher Educaton Ministry of Education & Cultur Republic of Indonesia