'Diploma issue blew up only due to media'

Authorities are taking a unsympathetic stance on the issuance of diplomas by unlicensed institutions, including the now-defunct Institut Managemen Global Indonesia (IMGI). The public, meanwhile, asks why such institutions have been allowed to operate for so long without a license. Who should be held responsible? The Jakarta Post interviewed some residents on the issue.

Arief Asmadi, 26, is an employee of a trading company in Central Jakarta. He lives with his parents in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta:

I believe that the government's poor monitoring of the education system has caused many institutions or foundations to sell diplomas. Many people, who are desperate to get a diploma in the shortest possible time, just buy one without a second thought.

Why are unlicensed institutions such as the IMGI able to operate in the first place? I assume that officials have just turned a blind eye to the situation, pretending that nothing was wrong until the case made media headlines.

The government should exercise control over schools and other educational institutions to avoid a similar case from surfacing in the future.

Yan Thamrin, 38, is an insurance agent for a state insurance company. He lives with his wife and children in Tanjung Barat, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta.

Several years ago, my friend got a bachelor diploma from a private university in Jakarta by paying Rp 8 million. I can understand why he bought it as he can't get a degree in the usual way. He is kind of stupid. Even now, with the diploma, he can't get a job.

I think my friend is just one of thousands of people who have been deceived by unlicensed institutions. I strongly believe that these institution get away with their crimes because they bribe officials at the ministry of education.

That's why the police should also investigate the officials, not just the owners of these unlicensed institutions.

The Jakarta Post