'Diploma issue blew up only due to media'

'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