The Indonesian Rectors\u2019 Forum (FRI) has signalled support for the\ngovernment\u2019s proposal to close study programmes (prodi) at higher\neducation institutions that are no longer deemed relevant to domestic\nindustry needs.<\/p>\n
FRI Chairman Garuda Wiko urged universities to remain relevant amid\nrapid and dynamic changes. According to him, campuses must produce\ngraduates with knowledge and skills for the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think this is our collective obligation to evaluate and insert new\nelements that are indeed needed to face new challenges,\u201d Garuda said\nwhen contacted on Tuesday (28\/4).<\/p>\n
According to him, emerging new challenges cannot be addressed with\nold methods. Therefore, higher education institutions must adapt and\nprepare their graduates accordingly.<\/p>\n
This means, Garuda said, that study programmes at universities must\nbe revitalised to create new knowledge and capabilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe existence of study programmes and so on must be revitalised.\nThere are always efforts for renewal and such, I think,\u201d said the Rector\nof Tanjung Pura University.<\/p>\n
The Rectors\u2019 Forum, Garuda continued, has not yet submitted an\nofficial stance to the government through the Ministry of Higher\nEducation, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) regarding the\nproposal to close irrelevant study programmes. However, they continue\ndiscussions to ensure campuses can adapt.<\/p>\n
He acknowledged that non-applied science programmes are still far\nmore popular among prospective students. Therefore, Garuda said, a\nformulation is needed to balance the proportions in the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, we must indeed promote a balance in the number of applied and\nnon-applied programmes,\u201d Garuda stated.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, Garuda understands concerns that universities are not\nsolely for producing workers. However, he believes the need for human\nresources to address industry challenges is far more pressing.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo develop knowledge, to develop various aspects to answer the needs\nor challenges occurring in society. I think that\u2019s it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The proposal to close study programmes irrelevant to the workforce is\nbased on the high number of graduates from such programmes who are not\nabsorbed into the job market.<\/p>\n
However, Acting Secretary General of Kemendiktisaintek Badri Munir\nSukonco stated that closing a programme is only the last option if a\nstudy programme no longer meets quality standards, lacks adequate\nacademic sustainability, and cannot be further developed.<\/p>\n
\u201cKemdiktisaintek emphasises that closing study programmes is not the\nprimary choice. Closure is only the last option if, based on a\ncomprehensive evaluation, a study programme no longer meets quality\nstandards, lacks adequate academic sustainability, and cannot be\ndeveloped further through guidance or transformation measures,\u201d Badri\nsaid in a written statement on Tuesday (28\/4).<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/rectors-forum-supports-governments-plan-to-close-irrelevant-study-programmes-1777380714", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }