Copyright Protection in Indonesian Higher Education: Legal Challenges and Academic Integrity

Abstract

This study examines the legal challenges surrounding copyright protection within Indonesian higher education, with particular emphasis on academic integrity and the persistent issue of plagiarism. It traces the development of copyright law from the Dutch-era Auteurswet of 1912 to Law No. 28 of 2014, assessing how these legal frameworks address intellectual property rights in academic contexts.A doctrinal legal research method was applied, involving the analysis of relevant statutes, academic literature, and international agreements, including the TRIPs Agreement and the Berne Convention. The study also considered the socio-legal context within higher education institutions that contributes to plagiarism and weak enforcement.Findings reveal significant shortcomings in Indonesia's legal structure, including vague definitions of copyright infringement and inadequate enforcement mechanisms. These legal gaps, coupled with a lack of institutional accountability, allow academic dishonesty—particularly plagiarism—to thrive in universities.The study argues for targeted reforms in higher education, including clearer legislative definitions, enhanced enforcement through administrative sanctions (e.g., fines, funding restrictions), and the introduction of ethical review boards to adjudicate cases of academic misconduct. Strengthening institutional responsibilities and aligning national law with international standards could significantly improve copyright protection and uphold academic integrity.To effectively protect intellectual property and foster a culture of academic honesty in Indonesian higher education, legal reform must be coupled with institutional accountability. These combined efforts are critical to ensuring the credibility of academic work and the protection of authorship rights in the educational sector.