Indonesia urges professors to foster self-reliance through science

Outstanding higher education institutions are those that are capable of driving real impact for society,

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto has called on professors to strengthen universities' role in providing science and technology-based solutions to support national self-reliance amid global economic dynamics.

"The key to a nation's progress is self-reliance, and the driving force behind that change is the people who can provide solutions through science and technology," he said in a statement in Jakarta on Sunday.

He explained that the world is currently facing various global challenges that impact many countries' economic reliance.

Building national self-reliance through mastery of science, research, innovation, and better governance is critical at a time when dependence on foreign energy, technology, and resources remains high, the minister underscored.

Brian assessed that Indonesia has enormous potential from its natural resources. However, their value can only be maximized with the support of research, downstream development, technological innovation, and effective governance.

"Therefore, higher education institutions play a strategic role in generating breakthroughs that can address national development challenges," he said.

He also stressed that universities must continue to strengthen their contribution to the government's strategic agenda, including reinforcing energy security and industrial downstreaming, advancing technological transformation, and improving national governance efficiency.

These challenges, he continued, must be addressed with science-based solutions born from collaboration among academics, researchers, and the government.

Echoing this sentiment, Padjadjaran University (Unpad) Rector Arief Sjamsulaksan Kartasasmita stated that the challenges facing higher education are becoming increasingly complex. Consequently, strategic insight from professors is essential to produce evidence-based policies that support national development.

"Outstanding higher education institutions are those that are capable of driving real impact for society," he said.

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Translator: Sean Filo, Raka Adji

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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