De Toekomst And Indonesia Path to Tomorrow
An critical decision lies ahead in Indonesia, a nation filled with numerous universities. The path to achievement and recognition on a global scale is both seductive and intimidating. In the midst of all of this, an interesting parallel between the Dutch soccer team Ajax and Indonesia’s higher education system is revealed. This comparison, while not flawless, brings to light shared themes of excellence, principles, and flexibility. These analogies create a compelling narrative that might lead to some amazing discoveries.
Ajax: The Epitome of Excellence and Innovation
Ajax is regarded as one of the most influential and elite football clubs in the world, with a rich history of turning forth great players, coaches, and teams. Based in Amsterdam, the vibrant Dutch capital, the team is extremely proud of its 36 Eredivisie titles, 20 KNVB Cups, and 10 international wins — among which are four European Cups/Champions League titles, three UEFA Super Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, and the much-coveted UEFA Cup.
The unique Total Football philosophy of coach Rinus Michels, which dates back to the 1960s and has subsequently been refined by his disciples and successors, is largely responsible for the club’s success. In order to succeed in any position or situation on the field, players must be able to move quickly, rotate smoothly, and play creatively. This is the essence of total football. This strategy allows the team to outmaneuver opponents, dominate possession, and take advantage of their weaknesses.
Ajax had a golden age in the early 1970s, when players like Frank Rijkaard, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten — all regarded as some of the greatest footballers in history — showcased their extraordinary talent. Specifically, Cruyff shown his extraordinary abilities and leadership in a range of roles, embodying the idea of Total Football. He continued to be successful as a coach, winning the European Cup twice with Ajax in 1987 and the first time with Barcelona in 1992.
At the Sportcomplex De Toekomst (The Future), home of the club’s renowned youth academy, one can clearly see the unwavering drive to greatness. With an emphasis on young players between the ages of seven and nineteen, the program aims to shape these players into outstanding football players that represent the iconic Ajax style. Prominent alumni like Dennis Bergkamp, Wesley Sneijder, and Matthijs de Ligt attest to the fact that this strategy works as a springboard for success on the biggest stages of the globe.
Beyond its boundaries, Ajax has a profound influence, inspiring dominant teams like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and even the esteemed Netherlands national team. These clubs, which have adopted and modified aspects of the Total Football ideology, have taken cues from Ajax and their brand of exciting, aggressive soccer. Both supporters and analysts have praised Ajax’s strategy, praising their unwavering commitment to winning while also enthralling the crowd with their alluring brand of play.
Indonesia: A Mosaic of Potential and Diversity
Indonesia is a dynamic nation in Southeast Asia, made up of an enormous archipelago of innumerable islands, each with its own unique history, customs, and scenery. It is the fourth most populous country in the world, home to about 270 million people. Indonesia is unique in that it has a wide range of regional languages and dialects, six officially recognized faiths, and over 300 different ethnic groups.
Indonesia’s rich and complex history, shaped by numerous empires and civilizations including Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and native customs, is reflected in the country’s diversity. Every historical period, including nationalism, democracy, and revolution, has had a lasting effect on the political and social structure of the country. Due to its advantageous geographic location and wealth of natural resources, Indonesia is now seen as a major actor in both regional and international affairs.
Indonesia’s dynamic and impressively large higher education industry has garnered substantial international prominence. With an astounding 4,743 colleges and more than 8.5 million students, it aims to generate qualified graduates who will boost the competitiveness, advancement, and scientific advancement of the country. However, it faces significant challenges like insufficient funding, unequal opportunity, poor quality, and widespread corruption.
Challenges and Opportunities: A Shared Narrative
Given the similar challenges and opportunities that both Ajax and Indonesia face, the parallel is highly relevant. Ajax’s focus on developing young, talented players is similar to Indonesia’s abundance of prospective pupils. But when it comes to international competitiveness, the difference is remarkable: according to the QS World University Rankings 2022, just 20 Indonesian universities made it into the top 1,000 worldwide, and just three made it into the top 500. Ajax, on the other hand, consistently ranks among the top 20 European clubs.
Ajax is always up against the difficult and dynamic regulatory and competitive environment, which is similar to what Indonesia faces. Corruption, low quality, unequal access, and resource constraints are all major problems in the higher education sector for both organizations. Both Ajax and Indonesia need to carefully manage striking a balance between meeting global expectations and guaranteeing good quality in this linked world.
Indonesia’s higher education system is facing challenges that limit its potential for growth and global competitiveness. It has been difficult to create a system that is both cohesive and widely accepted because there are so many different schools that operate under different accreditation protocols, certification processes, and requirements for academic quality. As a result, the absence of consistency and coherence makes it difficult to compare and recognize degrees and certificates, which poses a challenge to Indonesia’s international recognition.
Furthermore, the lack of postgraduate-trained teachers — that is, those holding doctorates — threatens to hinder Indonesia’s ability to conduct excellent research and teach. Remarkably, only 9.4% of the country’s faculty members hold a doctorate, leaving a severe shortage of specialized knowledge and abilities. This deficiency not only limits the possibility of innovative research but also impedes the development of an internationally competitive academic community.
One of the main causes of the high rates of underemployment and unemployment among graduates is the existing mismatch between the demands of the labor market and higher education curricula. To solve this challenge, it is imperative that our educational structure become more flexible and sensitive to the constantly changing nature of the labor market. In the postsecondary education system, persistently low levels of participation and completion, especially among marginalized groups, exacerbate social inequality and obstruct efforts to increase accessibility and social mobility.
Ajax and Indonesia, in spite of their many challenges, are standing on the verge of great prospects. Indonesia can learn how to address issues within its own higher education industry by taking a cue from Ajax’s rich history. Through the replication of Ajax’s investments in infrastructure, facilities, and human resources, Indonesia may foster an environment of excellence and integrity among its academic community. By putting Ajax’s fluidity, originality, and variety into practice, Indonesia may create a curriculum that is flexible and sensitive to changes in the political, social, and cultural spheres. By drawing inspiration from Ajax’s successes, Indonesia can improve its research output, standing, and impact internationally. By doing this, Indonesia’s higher education sector may carve out a distinct route for itself and lead the way towards a future filled with notable accomplishments and innovations.