Higher Education Institutions to Become Regional Governments’ Strategic Partners to Resolve Regional Issues

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto delivers a press statement following a meeting with President Prabowo at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Monday (05/04). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto has urged higher education institutions across Indonesia to play an active role in assisting regional governments to overcome various development issues, including waste management and spatial planning.

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto made the statement following a meeting with the President at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Monday (05/04).

“The President asked me, asked us at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, about the progress of majors or study programs and lecturers that can assist regional governments,” he said, referring to the President’s directive to involve higher education institutions to support regional needs through academic expertise and research.

According to Brian, the President underscored the importance of collaboration among higher education institutions and regional governments to achieve sustainable and proper spatial planning, especially in relevant sectors such as environmental engineering, architecture, and waste processing technology.

“Regional governments would be assisted, backed up by universities, researchers, professors in relevant sectors, such as architecture in managing parks, and environmental engineering, mechanical engineering in waste [management], and so on,” he said.

Brian further stated that the ministry will immediately consolidate higher education institutions across Indonesia to form expert teams that serve as strategic partners of regional leaders.

“We aim to establish a team in every region, both at the provincial and municipal levels, to serve as an assistant to the regional leaders to resolve those issues,” he said, adding that the program is in line with the “Impactful Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology” initiative, which encourages educational and research activities at higher education institutions that are relevant and create direct impacts to the society.

Brian also pointed out that the President ordered him to make structured steps in implementing the program, thus allowing all higher education institutions to contribute optimally to regional development.

“The President asked for more structured measures so all universities can play a role,” he remarked.

With strong synergy between higher education institutions and regional governments, the Government remains optimistic that various issues in the regions can be resolved faster, more accurately, and more sustainably, making science and technology the main driver of national development. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (DH/LW)