Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Open Session of Academic Senate on the 45th Anniversary of Sebelas Maret University (UNS) Surakarta, 12 March 2021, from the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

May prosperity be upon us all,

Om Swastiastu,

Namo Buddhaya,

Greetings of Virtue.

Distinguished Chancellor and all university leaders, as well as leaders of Faculties and Departments;

Distinguished professors, lecturers, employees and all students, as well as the alumni of Sebelas Maret University (UNS) across the nation.

First of all, it is my great pleasure to congratulate Sebelas Maret University on its 45^th Anniversary. I hope Sebelas Maret University will continue to make a significant contribution and produce qualified, competent and excellent graduates for the benefit of humanity and the progress of the nation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In today’s rapidly changing world, speed, creativity and innovation are the key to winning the competition. We should not be trapped in mediocrity. We must not be held hostage by mundane routines and we must develop new methods.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us to leave the old ways behind. Things once considered taboo are now part of new way of life. Digitalization, which used to be difficult to introduce, now must be carried out by all institutions. Performance measures must be changed, budgeting methods must be changed, and new employment programs must be introduced.

For startups, the new methods have become the foundation of their work from the start. However, for the 45 year old institution, I understand that it is often not easy to introduce new methods. It is not easy to disrupt yourself. Yet if we do not dare to disrupt ourselves, we will be disrupted by an era that is changing rapidly.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On this 45^th anniversary, I believe that the UNS is confirming its commitment to make big changes, to develop science and technology in accordance with today’s demands and to produce graduates the future needs.

The labor market has undergone drastic changes. There are many kinds of obsolete jobs that are no longer needed. Surely we must change study programs, curriculum, and character of lecturers.

The fourth industrial revolution has progressed significantly. The old-fashioned science and technology are becoming obsolete. Management theories, organizations, and business models have also changed a lot. Communication patterns and people’s behavior have also changed a lot. Certainly, the research program also has to create many changes.

The long experience the UNS has gained in these 45 years is currently being challenged. I hope it keeps embracing creativity and innovation to produce science and technology and develop talents to address challenges for humanity and the progress of the nation to materialize an advanced Indonesia that we aspire to be.

Long live Sebelas Maret University, happy 45^th anniversary.

I thank you.

Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (RI/MUR)