122 Study Programmes Closed Throughout 2026, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology: These are Proposals from Public and Private Universities

The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, has clarified issues regarding the closure of study programmes deemed irrelevant to industry. Although 122 programmes were recorded as closed throughout 2026, Brian emphasised that these steps were purely initiatives from higher education institutions, including both public (PTN) and private (PTS) universities.

During a working meeting with Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) on Tuesday (2/6), Brian explained that the government does not have a policy to unilaterally close programmes for industrial adjustment. He stated that the Ministry’s role focuses more on guidance and the development of scientific substance to ensure it remains relevant to modern developments.

“All closures are based on proposals from the organising bodies, both PTN and PTS,” Brian stated at the DPR RI Building in Jakarta.

He added that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology is actually encouraging the transformation of study programmes to make them more attractive and applicable. Brian cited examples such as how mathematics is now transforming into actuarial science, and how electrical engineering is beginning to integrate curricula involving Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and robotics.

To maintain the consistency of these updates, the Minister requested that coordination bodies within each programme conduct routine evaluations every three to four years. This evaluation is crucial for determining the proportion of fundamental scientific knowledge to be maintained and the new, more implementable materials required by the business world.

Brian also highlighted that the formal mechanism for closing a study programme can only be executed through two channels: a direct proposal from the university concerned or as a sanction for serious violations.

“Rather than closing them, we are developing study programmes to match industrial needs through the adjustment of the substance being taught,” he concluded.