The government\u2019s plan to close several study programmes (prodi)\nconsidered irrelevant to economic needs has sparked debate. On one hand,\nthis step is seen as essential to align the world of education with\nchanges in the job market, but on the other, concerns arise regarding\nthe policy direction and its risks to higher education institutions.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, through\nSecretary General Badri Munir Sukoco, stated that this policy requires\ncollective support, including from universities. He hopes for\n\u201cwillingness\u201d from higher education institutions if their programmes\nmust be closed to adjust to future needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, in our view at the ministry, a joint policy is needed. We also\nhope for support from friends in PTPK, of course, all the rectors here,\n(so that) there is willingness,\u201d said Badri at the National Population\nSymposium 2026, quoted from the replay on the Ministry of Population and\nFamily Planning\/BKKBN YouTube channel.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, the plan has immediately drawn scrutiny from education\nobservers. Education practitioner from Vox Populi Institute Indonesia,\nIndra Charismiadji, believes that aligning the campus world with\nindustry needs is inevitable, especially amid global job\ndisruptions.<\/p>\n
He refers to various international studies showing major changes in\nthe labour market, where many types of jobs disappear and are replaced\nby technology. However, Indra questions the basis for closing these\nprogrammes. He assesses that to date, no transparent criteria have been\nseen regarding which programmes are deemed fit to close.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs there an open academic study to determine which programmes must\nbe closed?\u201d he said, quoted from detikedu, Monday (27\/4\/2026).<\/p>\n
If there is no clear basis, he fears that decisions will be\ndetermined by short-term bureaucratic considerations, not long-term\nneeds. In addition, Indra highlights the potential for unhealthy\ncompetition among universities, especially in vying for new students if\nthe number of programmes becomes more limited.<\/p>\n
He reminds of the importance of a talent roadmap towards 2045 as the\nmain reference. Without a clear direction, he says, closing programmes\ncould be a premature step.<\/p>\n
\u201cClosing programmes without knowing what industries will be built in\nthe future is like cutting down trees without a plan to replant,\u201d he\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Indra also highlights the classic issue of supply and demand for\ngraduates. He gives the example of fields like marine biology, which\nactually have potential in Indonesia, but have low absorption because\nthe supporting industry ecosystem has not yet developed.<\/p>\n
Indra said that many programmes become irrelevant not because the\nknowledge is unimportant, but because the supporting industries have not\nbeen built seriously. On the other hand, he reminds that universities\nshould not be perceived merely as producers of labour.<\/p>\n
\u201cCampuses are not labour factories, but places for developing\nknowledge and innovation,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n
He also urges the government to focus more on curriculum reforms\naligned with the Society 5.0 concept, where technology serves as a tool,\nwhile humans are at the centre of innovation.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/government-plans-to-close-irrelevant-study-programmes-experts-highlight-risks-1777269102", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }