Degrees of Availability
University degrees have become a commodity. Just keep Rp10 million handy and any of the following are yours for the taking—less research or dissertation: a master's, doctorate, or even the rank of professor. But never question the quality: it's apt to be simplistic. Oddly, many people are indeed interested, from ordinary citizens to officials and businessmen. Neo-feudalism combined with inferiority of the rich?
January 30, 2001
The venue was the Bali Room, Hotel Indonesia, one day mid-November 2001. Dozens of people clad in black academic gowns entered at leisurely pace. The song Gaudeamus Igitur was resounding, marking the start of graduation of the robed ones. Chairman of the Indonesian Institute of Global Management (IMGI)—the sponsor institution—Mohammad Mardiana, a doctor of philosophy (PhD), opened the ceremony with a message. An international atmos
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