http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2008/07/19/how-gain-worldclass-reputation.html

Several versions of university league tables, which rank universities worldwide, are available. In the UK alone, every major newspaper produces its own league tables with different rankings of universities, both within the UK and internationally. The ranking results differ slightly from table to table. However, the top 10 universities, headed by Oxford and Cambridge, consistently appear on all versions.

Critics say none of the league tables represents an overarching balanced assessment of the quality of the university. Each version may only describe a particular area of a university’s operation.

For example, one league may only evaluate the quality of the teaching whereas another may focus on the quality of research. Further, there are methodological and measurement issues in each of the tables which call their results into question. Despite those controversies in the methodology and the use of such league tables, they do provide easy, at-a-glance descriptions of the qualities of one university relative to others.

These tables show U.S. and UK universities dominate the rankings.

This is understandable as, first of all, both countries use English as their medium of communication. This gives them an advantage over non-English speaking universities: They can achieve a worldwide reputation quickly and easily through international publications, graduate jobs and foreign student enrollment. Australian universities are gaining ground in the rankings as they enjoy the same inherent benefit.

Second, the United States in particular has dominated world economy and politics, which in turn creates an opportunity for its universities to build good relationships and collaborations with businesses, research communities and international bodies.

Opportunities in the United States are so extensive that we find universities opening all kinds of programs and research projects. This strengthens their reputations, which leads to better rankings in the worldwide university league table.

UK universities, on the other hand, enjoy a reputation as age-old universities which still exercise their traditions and customs. Cambridge and Oxford are renowned for their collegiate university system. Universities in London such as the London School of Economics and the School of Oriental and African Studies are specialized institutions known for their expertise in select fields.

So what can we do to catch up in Indonesia? I think it is an almost impossible task which will take a long time. It requires the belief we can compete as well as financial and political backing from many supporters. Given the current Indonesian government’s financial capacities, little can be asked from that side. It is up to each individual university to strive to be competitive.

Human resources, of course, are the most important factor. Indonesian universities need many committed and qualified people with the appropriate skills to teach and conduct research.

Further, they must be supported by a decent salary structure and a well-managed teaching and research atmosphere on campus. This will require plenty of financial muscle. Retaining already acquired faculty and supporting their potential is also essential.

Universities should change their strategy from providing popular subjects to specializing their programs in a few selected fields to develop them to a higher level. For example, subjects related to bioengineering, fisheries and rural development should receive more attention than law or economics since almost all universities, both public and private, offer programs in those fields. Specialization is a bold tactic which could lead to a competitive ranking both in Indonesia and more widely.

Another important component is a university’s research capacity and performance. A strong research environment complements teaching activities. While many universities in Indonesia claim they prioritize research, very few are actually following though on these claims.

Further, research findings should be actively communicated to the outside world by publishing in international journals. A university’s overall reputation is enhanced by the amount and quality of published research.

Last but not least, a university can improve its reputation by enrolling highly qualified students. While improving the quality of high school graduates is the responsibility of the whole country, a competitive university should attract the best students countrywide as well as draw in as many foreign students as possible.

However, any quest to attract high-caliber students also requires good facilities, services and, yes, a solid reputation. Hence, Indonesian universities need to bravely and creatively set out to break this chicken-and-egg situation. Developing world-class universities requires strategic action, commitment and perseverance.

The writer is a senior lecturer at the Institute for Health and Social Care Research at the University of Salford, UK, and a leader in the master’s in public health program in their Centre for Public Health Research. He can be reached at d.widiatmoko@salford.ac.uk