Bridging Academic Gaps: Task to connect UK academics with those in Indonesia.
Demographic Bonus: Predicted to become a burden on democracy within the next 10 years.
Democracy and Stability
Risks from Unemployment: Educated unemployment is dangerous for national stability.
Election Slogans: Commonly seen words - honest, people-oriented, faithful, rarely competence.
Political Realm: Competence often not valued.
Host Introduction
Host questions their understanding of academic topics - admits reliance on expert translators.
Guest Introduction
Academic Background: Lemhannas, studies across multiple countries; currently in the UK at Nottingham.
Educational Journey
Global Education: Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering (ITB), Masters and Doctorate in Physics (Taiwan), post-doctoral work in Mathematics and Earth Sciences.
Career Path: Continuously moved countries for academics and research roles.
Challenges in Indonesia: Difficulty aligning interdisciplinary research portfolios with Indonesian universities' hiring preferences.
Systemic Issues in Indonesian Education
Interdisciplinarity: Lack of appreciation for interdisciplinary research.
Micromanagement by Central Government: Comparison between the UK (autonomous peer review) and Indonesia (centralized control).
Knowledge vs. Natural Resources: Transitioning from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy, needing improved education.
Soft Power Ranking: Indonesia scores poorly in international education rankings, highlighting the need for improvement.
Diaspora Role: Academics abroad can promote Indonesian science and technology.
Post-colonial Mindset: Overcoming colonial legacies in academia and governance.
Current Academic Initiatives
Collaborations: Bridging research initiatives between UK and Indonesian universities, focusing on interdisciplinary work.
Student Mobility Programs: Encourage student exchange to foster international academic relationships.
Public Engagement: Educating wider audiences through free content online, addressing educational resource issues.
Changing Metrics: Shifting focus from quantity (publications, certificates) to quality (impact, real-world application).
Education and Employability
University Rankings and Fees: Comparison between UK and Indonesian universities, highlighting resource allocation issues.
Employment After Graduation: Challenges for Indonesian graduates with the surplus of universities and educated unemployed.
Influence of AI: Embracing AI in teaching and assessing real-world problem-solving skills; adapting university assessments to include AI competencies.
Socio-cultural Issues
Supernatural Beliefs: Impact on scientific thinking and rationalization of life's challenges.
Social Media Influence: The role of educational content on social media in shaping public knowledge.
Interdisciplinary Barriers: Overcoming limitations in a siloed academic system.
Proposed Educational Reforms
Revamp Assessment Systems: Focus on real-world impact rather than just academic metrics.
Increase Interdisciplinary Research: Leverage global collaborations to enrich research and teaching in Indonesia.
Public Policy: Encourage policies that support educational reforms and resource allocation.
Focus Areas for Research: Prioritize crucial issues like sustainable resources and health to drive innovation and national pride.
Conclusion
Individual Contribution: Encourages personal initiatives to bridge gaps and foster change, emphasizing the role of competent governance.
Future Outlook: Building a better academic environment through systemic changes and international partnerships.