Yogyakarta, 29 August 2024–The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol) UGM criticized the awarding of the title of professor or professor as violating academic norms. This criticism was conveyed in a discussion at the Social Research Center, Department of Sociology UGM, titled “Fake Credentials of the Professor” on Thursday (29/8). In the discussion, academics expressed concerns about losing functional academic identity.
Lecturer at the Department of Mechanical Engineering UGM, Prof. Dr. Eng. Ir. Deendarlianto, S.T., M.Eng. explains how professorships should be implemented. “Professor is the highest academic position and has high ethical standards. However, all lecturers still have the opportunity to become professors,” he said. The main aim of awarding the title of professor is basically to develop knowledge and bring it to the attention of society. Professors are expected to be able to guide society, and the new generation and channel knowledge on the latest policies.
The existence of a professorship has an important role in leading scientific progress. Prof. Deen gave the example of the professorship system implemented by the Netherlands, which adheres to a multi-criteria system. There are four criteria for a Dutch professorship, namely education, research, leadership, and impact. These qualifications are also emphasized with several strategies such as quality, the proportion between individual and collaborative achievements, awarding research grants, and stimulating academic leadership.
“A professor must also have the ability to produce grand strategic designs. The research results must be downstream and have a national impact,” said Prof. Deen. The awarding of the title of professor should have more than just administrative meaning. Unfortunately, several fraudulent practices have been discovered to obtain this intellectual title.
In line with this opinion, Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Deputy Chancellor of UGM for Student Affairs, Community Service and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sudjito, S.Sos., M.Si. re-emphasises the meaning of the professor’s identity. “If I may say so, this is Indonesia’s intellectual problem. It is not too difficult for us to make intellectuals a power tool. There is a shallowing of professors,” he explained.
According to him, there needs to be an effort to realign the role and function of professors as intellectuals. The title of professor is interpreted as part of the role of science in civilization. This title is given to someone with high intellectual abilities to solve societal problems.
“The functions of professors need to be discussed. Was he/she appointed to solve society’s economic puzzle or his/her own puzzle,” concluded Arie. Obtaining the title of professor administratively is not easy, but holding this title also carries an extraordinary moral responsibility. In Arie’s opinion, an intellectual must be born into society, face real problems, and gain recognition in society. Academics can give awards, appreciation and titles for these achievements.
“Don’t turn it around. Professors are not born from academic administration. It must be born from science and struggles in society. If the public does not recognize it, social legitimacy becomes the determining factor. Just recognized administratively,” added Arie. He also criticized the benchmarks for obtaining a professorship, such as the number of journal publications and length of career as an academic.
Furthermore, Arie explained that learning and seeking knowledge are not only in the classroom. There are many ways to achieve a purely intellectual, not administrative, degree. A person must be able to think inclusively, interact with society, and understand multisectoral issues. This way, a new generation of national intellectuals will be born who can guide Indonesia towards future glory.