Fellows in the Press: Iqra Anugrah in Times Higher Education on Academic Freedom in Indonesia

Our Global Forum Fellow Iqra Anugrah has talked to Times Higher Education about the potential state of academic freedom and student activism under the presidency of Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia’s own populist.

According to the article, critics of former Indonesian president Joko Widodo accused him of undermining democracy, and the country’s new leader, Prabowo Subianto, is expected to follow in his predecessor’s footsteps. Prabowo, a former general, sworn into office in October, has been  accused of involvement in the abduction of student activists in the 1990s, though he has denied the charges.

According to Iqra Anugrah, academic relations might “decline” further, but Prabowo “has a mixed view” of universities. “On the one hand, he sees [them] as a site of major dissent against his political ascendancy and rule,” he said. “On the other hand, being an internationally oriented politician, he also sees the benefits of promoting research and innovation sectors for Indonesia’s global competitiveness, especially in economic and diplomatic arenas.”

Referring to a recent case of a student body being suspended after criticizing the new president, Iqra Anugrah said, “Just like what happened during the Jokowi presidency, the democratic spaces for student activism will continue to be under duress.”

Read the article here.