Recent reports of proxy test-takers and university entrance exam participants cheating during the national Computer-Based Written Examination (UTBK) at several campuses have drawn public concern. Some of the perpetrators, now under police investigation, were found to be active students at prestigious public universities in Indonesia.
At the same time, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) released the 2024 Education Integrity Index survey results last week. The index score stands at 69.50, which falls under the “Corrective” category.
In addition, KPK’s 2024 Education Integrity Assessment Survey (SPI) revealed that 30 percent of teachers and lecturers still consider receiving gifts from their students acceptable.
These findings highlight the persistence of gratification and conflicts of interest in classrooms, from primary schools to higher education institutions.
Dr. Dede Puji Setiono, lecturer at the Department of Public Policy and Management, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Fisipol UGM), said that the 69.50 score on the Education Integrity Index should be a wake-up call for all stakeholders, educational institutions, the government, and educators alike.
He noted that this figure reflects an education system caught between idealism and pragmatic reality in its attempt to shape qualified, high-integrity human resources.
“If we’re being honest, this is not merely about numbers; it signals that values of integrity are still losing out to a culture of ‘just get it done.’ But as an academic, I also see this as an opportunity to revitalize the system,” said Dr. Setiono on Friday (May 2).
Based on KPK’s survey, Dr. Setiono recommended that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology and the Ministry of Elementary and Primary Education design evidence-based integrity programs.
For instance, anti-corruption modules could be incorporated into teacher training curricula, or reward systems could be developed for schools that demonstrate transparency.
He also pointed out one of the biggest challenges: changing the narrative that “honesty is costly.” In many schools, honest students are often seen as naïve, while cheaters are praised for being “clever at finding loopholes.”
He attributed this to a rigid evaluation system, where national exams and similar tests prioritize rote memorization over critical thinking.
“Countries like Finland have proven otherwise. Flexible curricula and minimal standardized testing can nurture a creative generation,” he added.
He said the problem extends beyond schools into universities, where gratification and nepotism are still rampant. To address this, he proposed more radical policy changes.
One of them is requiring universities to publish real-time budget breakdowns on online platforms, allowing the public to see service fees and associated costs.
Furthermore, procurement systems should involve independent auditors instead of relying solely on internal committees that can be influenced.
Dr. Setiono argued that universities should implement serious “blind selection” practices in staff or vendor recruitment to eliminate nepotism in campus environments.
Proposal evaluations should be conducted without revealing the company name or the owner’s identity.
“That way, connections can no longer be the main weapon. Most importantly, there must be consequences. Rectors or school principals proven to engage in nepotism should be removed from office, not just given a warning,” he asserted.
If these bold policies are enacted, Dr. Setiono believes that Indonesian schools and campuses can become laboratories of integrity.
He envisioned a future where elementary students are confident enough to call out classmates for cheating, lecturers proudly refuse gifts from students, and rectors award contracts based on proposal quality, not personal ties.
“To achieve this, we need a mindset revolution. Education is not merely knowledge transfer but character building. The curriculum should be improved: reduce rote learning hours and add social projects that cultivate empathy and honesty. Most importantly, treat integrity as an investment, not a burden,” he concluded.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Illustration: Shutterstock