Globalizing higher education through internationalization and multiculturalism: The case of Indonesia

As part of the efforts to globalize higher education in Indonesia, internationalization and multiculturalism are two globalization behaviors that have been promoted across higher education institutions. This study investigated both these behaviors through a qualitative case study analysis of four state universities in the country. The authors found that firstly, the autonomy of state higher education institutions played a significant role for the implementation of internationalization programs which is related not only to the flexibility in designing international programs, opening study programs, or recruiting foreign lecturers, but also to the budget amount allocations by the government. Secondly, in developing multiculturalism serious considerations on the cultural stance of the institution and the unique ideology of that institution needs to be undertaken and integrated with the national ideology. Thirdly, the role of the government in making policies and encouraging state higher education institutions to be more autonomous is essential to advance higher education in internationalization and multiculturalism.