Only 10 percent of RI university Lecturers have PhD degree

Paris, NU Online
National Education Minister Muhammad Nuh said only 10 percent of Indonesian university lecturers had a PhD degree.

"Among a total of 270,000 university lecturers across Indonesia, only 10 percent have a PhD degree, yet PhD degree holders are needed to improve the quality of our students," the minister said during a discussion with members of the Indonesian Students` Union (PPI) in Paris.<<>;br />
The minister who came to Paris to attend an international education ministers` meeting held by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said the government in 2011 had set aside Rp 2.5 trillion in funds for scholarship programs for national lecturers.

The minister also said his ministry would maximize its efforts to publicize the scholarships available for students who want to study abroad.

"China is offering scholarships for 10,000 students from ASEAN countries. We are now in the process of lobbying them to provide a large amount of scholarships for Indonesian students," the minister said.

Participated in by around 50 Indonesian students in Paris, the Monday discussion was also relayed through internet radio and participated in by Indonesian students studying in 20 foreign countries.

The discussion session was also attended by Indonesian Ambassador to France Rezlan Ishar Jenie, Indonesian Ambassador to UNESCO Tresna Dermawan Kunaefi, and chairperson of the Indonesian Students` Union (PPI) in Paris Laras A Pitayu. (ant/dar)