Jakarta, March 13, 2025 – The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, emphasized that mastery of science and technology is the main key for Indonesia to become a developed country. This was conveyed at the Indonesian President’s Gathering with Rectors and Leaders of State Universities (PTN) and Private Universities (PTS) at the Presidential Palace on Thursday (13/03/2025).
This event was a historic moment as it was the first time the Indonesian President directly invited university leaders from all over Indonesia to have in-depth discussions about the role of higher education in building the nation. The Rector of Universitas Terbuka, Dr. Mohamad Yunus, MA., along with the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Dr. Meirani Harsasi, S.E., M.Si., the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Social, and Political Sciences (FHISIP) Dr. Meita Istianda, S.IP., M.Si. and the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology Dr. Subekti Nurmawati, M.Si. also attended this meeting, reflecting UT’s commitment to supporting national policies related to HR development and technology-based research in Indonesia.
In his speech, President Prabowo emphasized the importance of mastering science and technology as the main foundation of national progress. “Only nations that master science and technology will become prosperous nations,” the President stressed.
The President also highlighted the strategic role of universities in supporting research and innovation-based industries, as well as the importance of building an academic culture with integrity. Instilling anti-corruption values in the education system became one of the main messages conveyed by the President in this forum.
In addition, the President underlined Danantara as a driving force for strategic industries in Indonesia. In an effort to support the acceleration of national industry, universities are encouraged to strengthen their contribution in leading research and HR development that is ready to face global challenges.
“The role of universities is very important, not only in producing superior human resources, but also in producing research and innovation that can drive national industries,” he said.
The President also called on universities to make real contributions in various strategic sectors, such as food security and mineral downstreaming, to realize national independence. “Let’s give our best. Universities must produce quality human resources and breakthrough technology research to support Indonesia’s economic and industrial revival,” he continued.
A New Starting Point for Indonesian Higher Education
The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendikti Saintek), Prof. Brian Yuliarto, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., in his report stated that this event was an important milestone in joint efforts to make universities centers of innovation research and producers of superior human resources.
“This is not just a ceremonial event, but a big step for higher education in Indonesia to further contribute to building national industrial independence and bringing Indonesia out of the middle-income trap,” said Prof. Brian.
He also reported that the meeting was attended by 124 Rectors of PTN, 40 representatives of PTS rectors, 18 religious universities, and 17 LLDIKTI from all over Indonesia. Currently, Indonesia has 4,416 universities, consisting of 125 PTN and 2,812 PTS, 1,309 religious universities, and 170 state universities, with a total of 9.967 million active students. Of the total 303,067 lecturers in Indonesia, only 25% have doctoral degrees, so the government plans to increase the number of lecturers with S3 degrees through strategic Diktisaintek programs.
Furthermore, Prof. Brian also highlighted the large research funds allocated, with a total of more than Rp2 trillion from the state budget and LPDP, as well as collaboration with industry to support research that has a real impact.
In the field of HR development, the President has also initiated the Garuda School program in four strategic locations to foster the nation’s best talents. In addition, scholarships for Indonesian students continue to be strengthened, with a total allocation of Rp15.43 trillion given to 1,062,364 scholarship recipients throughout the country.
The panel discussion at this event was productive, where rectors were given the opportunity to express their views and aspirations. Minister Brian Yuliarto emphasized that this meeting was not just a discourse, but a starting point for stronger synergy between the government and universities in building an Advanced Indonesia based on research, innovation, and superior human resources.
“We will all be enthusiastic about supporting the President’s programs, especially in building a higher education ecosystem that is increasingly strong and relevant to industrial needs and national development,” concluded Prof. Brian.
Universitas Terbuka and Its Role in the Higher Education Ecosystem
As a pioneer of open and distance education on university level, UT is committed to supporting national HR development through flexible technology-based learning. UT continues to innovate to provide quality higher education access to all levels of society, including in remote areas, to produce graduates who are superior, innovative, and adaptive to global changes.
