SHARE HEIGHTS-FS (Higher Education Institutions Generating Holistic & Transferable Solutions – Financial Sustainability) Indonesia, Final Report

The HEIGHTS-FS (Higher Education Institutions Generating Holistic and Transformative Solutions – Financial Sustainability) study is part of the USAID-funded SHARE (Supporting Holistic and Actionable Research in Education) research activity. HEIGHTS-FS is a cross-country initiative that studied ways to enhance the financial sustainability (FS) of higher education institutions (HEIs) across Kenya, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The particular study featured in this report focuses on Indonesia's higher education institutions (HEIs). It provides insights into sustainable financing strategies to support the USAID Higher Education Learning Agenda. This HEIGHTS-FS study investigates how Indonesian HEIs (public and private universities, institutes, polytechnics, and community academies) manage their finances amidst fluctuating government support and societal challenges. The study employed a qualitative methodology, collecting data through semi-structured key informant interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders from HEIs, government bodies, and civil society organizations. A stratified purposive sampling approach ensured diverse representation across different types of HEIs and geographical locations. Despite limitations such as response biases and geographical representation, the research provided valuable insights into the financial operations, sustainability practices, and risk management strategies of Indonesian HEIs. The study’s findings are intended to inform policy and practice, helping HEIs to strengthen their financial stability and adapt to future challenges.