GoKawiilIndonesian PhD students report widespread poor supervision and misconduct
Interviews with 11 PhD students at Indonesian universities describe supervision that often amounts to brief formal meetings to sign paperwork rather than substantive research mentorship. Students reported power imbalances, supervisors spending meetings on gossip instead of guidance, and some being made to personally cover costs such as weekly site-access fees for lab research.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The accounts suggest systemic gaps in doctoral training standards that could affect research quality and career outcomes for early-career Indonesian scientists. Because several students spoke only on condition of anonymity, the reports hint at a culture where raising concerns about supervisors carries professional risk, which may discourage broader reform.
- 11 PhD students interviewed describe inadequate or exploitative supervision practices in Indonesia
- Supervision often limited to signing proposals/dissertations rather than active research mentoring
- Some students reported bearing personal financial costs, such as paying for sampling site access
Source: nature.com — Rochmyaningsih, 2026-11-02
Published there as: “In Indonesia, PhD students blow the whistle on bad supervision”
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