The Indonesian Institute Center For Public Policy Research
The Indonesian Institute, Center for Public Policy Research (TII) is pleased to present our latest policy paper titled “Mapping Academic Freedom Violations to Promote Academic Freedom Protection Policies in Universities in Indonesia”. This research highlights a critical paradox where academic freedom is constitutionally and legally protected under the 1945 Constitution and various national laws, yet its practical implementation remains under constant threat. Despite Indonesia’s international commitments to guarantee freedom of expression, the 2025 Academic Freedom Index shows a concerning reality with Indonesia scoring only 0.59 out of 1.00, marked by significant declines in campus integrity and academic expression.
Conducted between April and July 2025, this qualitative study identifies systemic patterns of violations that have occurred since 2019, including physical and psychological repression, administrative sanctions, and the weaponization of laws such as the ITE Law and the Criminal Code to silence critical voices. The findings reveal that students and student organizations are the most frequent victims of these suppressions, often perpetrated by university officials or law enforcement officers in the name of public order or defamation. This situation exposes a deep gap between the existing normative framework and the repressive realities faced by the academic community.
This policy paper emphasizes that academic freedom is a non-negotiable pillar of the Three Pillars of Higher Education (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi) and is essential for cultivating critical thinking and societal advancement. Through this publication, TII calls for decisive regulatory reforms, improved law enforcement grounded in human rights, and the elimination of political interference to restore institutional autonomy. We hope this research serves as a vital resource for policymakers and advocates to ensure that Indonesian universities remain secure, independent, and intellectually vibrant spaces for the unrestrained pursuit of knowledge.
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