Behind the Glitter of a Doctorate Degree: When Celebrity Achievement Confront Academic Credibility

Entertainment

"Fame meets academia: Raffi Ahmad's honorary doctorate sparks national debate"

By : Fanisha Tita K (30802200016/ unissula)

source : Ig @raffinagita1717

The warm sunset in Bangkok witnessed a moment that would later trigger a long debate in the country. Raffi Ahmad, a figure who has long been an icon of Indonesian entertainment, stood with a broad smile while holding a charter with a golden logo. His Doctor Honoris Causa degree in Tourism and Event Management from Thailand's Universal Institute of Professional Management (UIPM) is now official.

However, behind the glamour of this achievement, there is a big question mark that disturbs the Indonesian public.

 When Social Media Becomes a Public Court

‘Sebuah kehormatan yang tidak pernah saya bayangkan sebelumnya,’ Raffi wrote in his Instagram post on 27 September 2024. The post, which was initially flooded with congratulations, slowly turned into an arena for fierce public debate.

Three days after the announcement, Indonesian netizens who are known for their foresight began to uncover various irregularities. They discovered that UIPM, the degree-granting institution, had a suspicious digital footprint. The campus address was difficult to trace, the institution's website looked amateurish, and the absence of official accreditation information became ammunition for criticism.

 Achievement vs. Credibility: A Modern Dilemma

‘Seorang selebritas sukses seperti Raffi Ahmad sebenarnya tidak membutuhkan legitimasi akademik untuk membuktikan kiprahnya," says Prof. Dr Bambang Sutanto, an education expert from the University of Indonesia. ‘Yang justru dipertaruhkan di sini adalah integritas dunia akademik itu sendiri.’

This statement strikes at the heart of a larger debate: how does modern society define achievement and credibility? In an era where personal branding is becoming increasingly important, academic degrees seem to be an additional accessory in a public figure's portfolio.

A response that raises new questions

UIPM attempted to minimise the controversy by issuing a statement that the degree had been under consideration since 2023, based on Raffi's contributions to the entertainment and tourism industry. However, this explanation raises new questions about the standards and criteria for awarding honorary degrees.

Amid the storm of criticism, Raffi continues to receive support from his closest circle. His appointment as vice chairman of KADIN for the 2024-2029 period seems to be proof that this controversy has not shaken his position in the Indonesian business world.

‘Ini bukan sekadar masalah Raffi Ahmad,’’ Prof Bambang concluded. ‘‘Ini tentang bagaimana kita sebagai bangsa memaknai pencapaian akademik dan profesional’’

This story opens the public's eyes to the importance of verification in the digital age. An honorary degree can turn out to be a double-edged knife: raising prestige or triggering controversy that damages the reputation that has been built for years.