[FULL] Dialog - Kontroversi Gelar Doktor HC Raffi Ahmad [Selamat Pagi Indonesia]

Summary

A captivating discussion on Raffi Ahmad receiving an honorary doctorate from the Universal Institute of Professional Management (UIPM) in Thailand, sparking public debate. The doctorate was awarded for his contributions to event management and digital development in entertainment. However, concerns arose about the credibility of the awarding institution, which lacks recognition in Indonesia's official educational databases. Experts like Doni Kusuma and Toto Amin discuss the qualifications for honorary doctorates, stressing the importance of exceptional contributions to knowledge or humanity. The controversy highlights broader issues about the credibility of honorary titles in academia.

Takeaways

• {"emoji":"🎓","point":"Raffi Ahmad, an artist and entrepreneur, received an honorary doctorate (Dr. Honoris Causa) from the Universal Institute of Professional Management (UIPM) in Thailand, for contributions in event management and global digital development."}
• {"emoji":"📱","point":"Raffi shared the news on Instagram, highlighting his long-standing contributions to both offline and digital entertainment industries in Indonesia."}
• {"emoji":"🏢","point":"Concerns were raised about UIPM's accreditation. The institution only has distance learning authorization and accreditation from a UK-based agency, with no clear accreditation from Thailand or Indonesia."}
• {"emoji":"👥","point":"Raffi's recent involvement in political campaigns was noted, as he has been actively participating in both national and regional political campaigns, such as the Banten governor race."}
• {"emoji":"❓","point":"Education expert Doni Kusuma criticized the honorary doctorate, stating that such honors should only be given to those with significant contributions in knowledge, technology, or humanitarian fields."}
• {"emoji":"🏫","point":"Kusuma also raised concerns about universities in Indonesia easily awarding honorary degrees, which could harm their credibility if not done with strict standards."}
• {"emoji":"❌","point":"UIPM's Bekasi office was found to be a virtual office, raising doubts about the legitimacy of the institution in Indonesia. The university is not listed in Indonesia's higher education database (PDDikti) or the National Accreditation Board (BAN-PT)."}
• {"emoji":"🔍","point":"Experts mentioned that honorary doctorates are usually awarded by accredited universities offering doctoral programs, with a strict selection process overseen by the university's senate."}
• {"emoji":"🌍","point":"Historical context: Honorary degrees, first awarded by Oxford and Harvard centuries ago, are meant to honor individuals without formal qualifications but who have made significant contributions in their field."}
• {"emoji":"⚠️","point":"The public was cautioned about dubious honorary degrees, as not all degrees given, especially by unverified institutions, are recognized by the Ministry of Education or international bodies."}

Q & A

Who recently received an honorary doctorate from the Universal Institute of Professional Management (UIPM) in Thailand?

Raffi Ahmad, an entertainer and entrepreneur, recently received an honorary doctorate (Dr. Honoris Causa) from the Universal Institute of Professional Management (UIPM) in Thailand.

What field was Raffi Ahmad's honorary doctorate awarded in?

Raffi Ahmad was awarded the honorary doctorate in the fields of Event Management and Global Digital Development.

What was the reason for Raffi Ahmad receiving the honorary doctorate?

Raffi Ahmad was recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry in both traditional and digital formats over many years in Indonesia.

What concerns have been raised regarding the UIPM's credibility?

Critics have pointed out that the UIPM campus in Indonesia is not officially listed in the Indonesian Higher Education Database (PDDikti) and lacks accreditation from the National Accreditation Board of Higher Education (BAN-PT), raising questions about its legitimacy.

What role has Raffi Ahmad played in recent political activities?

Raffi Ahmad has been involved in several political campaigns, including the presidential elections (Pilpres) and regional elections, most recently joining the campaign team for Banten gubernatorial candidate Andra Soni.

What are the criteria for someone to receive an honorary doctorate in Indonesia?

According to educational expert Doni Kusuma, an honorary doctorate should be awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in fields such as knowledge, technology, or humanitarian efforts. Both the awarding institution and the individual must meet high standards.

What criticism did Doni Kusuma express about honorary doctorates in Indonesia?

Doni Kusuma criticized the ease with which honorary doctorates are sometimes awarded in Indonesia, warning that this could undermine the credibility of the institutions giving the honors.

What is the public's reaction to Raffi Ahmad receiving this honorary degree?

Public opinion has been divided, with some supporting the award for Raffi Ahmad’s contributions to entertainment, while others question the credibility of the institution and his qualifications to receive such an honor.

How does the Universal Institute of Professional Management (UIPM) operate?

UIPM operates primarily as an online institution offering distance education through international programs and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), accessible to anyone.

Can honorary degrees from unaccredited institutions be recognized in Indonesia?

No, honorary degrees from institutions that are not accredited by the Indonesian government or recognized internationally will not be officially recognized in Indonesia. This means the degree cannot be used for formal purposes like job promotions.