Universities in Indonesia are calling for greater autonomy, which they hope will help reverse the brain drain of science and technology graduates from the country. According to government statistics, more than 85,000 Indonesians study overseas each year. Many of these emigrate permanently.

Leading institutions, including the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), the University of Indonesia, and the science and technology campus of the Gadjah Mada University, are calling for reform of the education system. They want improved funding and more control over how they manage courses.

The ITB, which is slipping in international academic rankings, is already taking steps to increase control over its activities. By the end of 2004, it will have broken away from government funding and will be a semi-private institution.

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