Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chair of Commission X of the Indonesian House of\nRepresentatives, Hetifah Sjaifudian, believes that transforming academic\nprogrammes is more appropriate than mass closures as planned by the\nMinistry of Education, Higher Education, Science, and Technology\n(Kemendiktisaintek).<\/p>\n
Hetifah, as stated in a press release received in Jakarta on Monday,\nemphasised that universities must not be reduced to mere suppliers of\nlabour. Plans for closing programmes require caution, transparency, and\nrobust academic studies.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery policy related to academic programmes must be based on\ncomprehensive studies, not merely responding to short-term trends. The\nfunction of universities is far broader, including the development of\nbasic sciences, culture, and the nation\u2019s critical capacity,\u201d she\nsaid.<\/p>\n
She explained that programmes deemed less relevant should be\nrevitalised through curriculum strengthening, interdisciplinary\napproaches, and linkages with regional potentials and local\ncultures.<\/p>\n
The House member in the education sector also warned that excessive\nefficiency orientation risks narrowing the academic ecosystem and\nweakening the strategic role of universities as centres of\ncivilisation.<\/p>\n
Therefore, she encouraged periodic, transparent evaluations of\nprogrammes involving various stakeholders, including academics,\nindustry, and professional associations.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf adjustments must be made, they must be accompanied by fair\ntransition periods and full protection for students and lecturers,\u201d\nHetifah stated.<\/p>\n
Previously, Kemendiktisaintek invited universities to sort and even\nclose programmes that are less relevant to future workforce needs.<\/p>\n
Secretary General of Kemendiktisaintek, Badri Munir Sukoco, at the\n2026 National Population Symposium in Badung Regency, Bali, on Thursday\n(23\/4), said this step is taken to reduce mismatches between university\ngraduates and industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll the rectors here, with willingness, there may be some that we\nhave to execute in not too long a time regarding programmes; we need to\nselect, sort, and if necessary close them to increase relevance,\u201d Badri\nsaid.<\/p>\n
He stated that universities should deliver Indonesia towards an\nadvanced nation through graduates who can meet future needs. However,\ncurrently, campuses tend to apply market-based strategies, namely\nopening programmes that are in demand by prospective students.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a result, there is an excess supply there. I can check as well,\nfor example, in 2028 we will actually have an excess supply of doctors.\nIf this is allowed, especially with maldistribution, imbalance in\ndistribution in each region,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Kemendiktisaintek, continued Badri, found that education or teaching\nmajors graduate around 490,000 alumni each year, while the market for\nprospective teachers is only 20,000 people, so the rest become educated\nunemployed.<\/p>\n
For that, he invited universities, especially members of the\nConsortium of Universities Concerned with Population, to help compile\nstudies on programmes that are still relevant.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/commission-x-deems-programme-transformation-more-appropriate-than-closure-1777279897", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }