JAKARTA

Renowned Indonesian entertainer Raffi Ahmad is facing intense scrutiny online following his recent appointment as deputy chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) for the 2024-2029 term. This comes amid a whirlwind of controversy surrounding his dubious honorary doctorate from a Bangkok institution, which has raised eyebrows regarding his qualifications.

The announcement of Mr. Ahmad’s new position was made on October 7 at a KADIN event held in Jakarta's KADIN Tower, with Anindya Bakrie, KADIN's chairman, emphasizing Ahmad’s massive social media influence, boasting over 76 million Instagram followers. Mr. Ahmad’s role will involve significant collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Baparekraf), a sector he believes holds immense potential for growth and development.

Expressing enthusiasm for his new responsibilities, Raffi stated, “We are in synergy to improve the nation’s economy,” and expressed optimism about strengthening the relationship between KADIN and the government, particularly after the inauguration of President-elect Prabowo Subianto on October 20.

However, his appointment has sparked a fierce online backlash. Critics are questioning the validity of his qualifications, particularly in light of his honorary doctorate from the Universal Institute of Professional Management (UIPM) in Thailand. Many netizens have remarked that honorary degrees should typically be reserved for those who contribute significantly to academic research—something Raffi has yet to achieve.

Notably, a local Indonesian citizen residing in Bangkok discovered that the location of UIPM, as listed on the institution's official website, was actually a hotel, raising further suspicions about the legitimacy of the degree. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology swiftly intervened, declaring that UIPM does not possess the necessary operational permits to confer degrees in Indonesia, effectively rendering Raffi's academic qualifications void.

The issue of fake degrees in Indonesia has been a rampant problem. In a crackdown earlier this year, 17 institutions were shut down for selling fraudulent degrees, aiming to enhance the quality of education and ensure that graduates can effectively contribute to the job market. Cases of individuals using falsified qualifications to secure employment in the public sector have also surfaced, including a civil servant in North Sumatra and a former comedian turned university rector, both of whom faced severe penalties for their fraudulent activities.

As Raffi Ahmad steps into this influential role, the questions surrounding his academic integrity and the implications of celebrity influence on governance remain critical topics of discussion among the Indonesian public. Many are now left wondering if this trend of questionable qualifications will continue to undermine the credibility of educational institutions across the archipelago.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops!