Indonesian Identity and Cultural Values

Abstract

This book examines the effects of education exchange on educational sovereignty in Indonesia. Since independence, Indonesia has increasingly relied on the education programs of foreign providers. The author draws from critical education, dependency, and transnational and interdependence theories to highlight the defining features of educational sovereignty and demonstrate the role of state and non-state actors in its maintenance. The nature of the Indonesia–US education relationship is encapsulated in two main points. Firstly, Indonesian respondents stated that they valued Americans’ knowledge and technology and had a strong interest in adopting them. Although the one-way transfer of knowledge from, and dependence on, foreign experts is evident, the Indonesian government has attempted to reduce dependence on foreign countries, whether that reliance was on knowledge or on finance. Secondly, although the Indonesia–US education relationship is politically motivated towards serving the interests of each, most respondents believed that any US political agendas were unacceptable. The experiences of both Indonesian and American respondents show that the relationship enhances and improves understanding between Indonesia and the US through academic exchanges and scientific and research links