Accompanied by Gibran, Prabowo Gathers 2,600 Rectors and Lecturers Across Indonesia

President Prabowo Subianto gathered around 2,600 rectors, deans, and lecturers from state and private universities across Indonesia. They assembled for the National Gathering as part of the 2026 Indonesian Science, Technology, and Industry Convention (KSTI) at the Jakarta Convention Centre (JCC), Central Jakarta, on Friday, 26 June 2026. The meeting, also attended by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, signalled a strong push by the administration to position higher education as a primary pillar in accelerating the national economic independence agenda. Carrying the theme ‘Strategy for Indonesia’s Economic Independence and Welfare’, the forum brought together government, academics, and industry players to align development direction based on science and innovation. President Prabowo arrived at the venue around 4 p.m. Western Indonesian Time alongside Vice President Gibran. They were greeted with applause from thousands of participants before shaking hands with several invited guests and ministers of the Merah Putih Cabinet. The KSTI 2026 National Gathering was designed not merely as an academic forum, but as a platform to formulate real contributions from higher education towards solving various strategic national issues. The government believes that research and innovation must serve as the foundation for formulating public policy, ensuring every development programme has a strong scientific basis. Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto stated that universities hold a strategic position in supporting the national development agenda through strengthened research and innovation. ‘Through this National Gathering, we want to encourage campuses, in collaboration with the government and industry, to play a greater role in producing research and innovation that address real problems in the seven priority development areas,’ said Minister Brian. He noted that the benefits of university research should not stop at scientific publications, but must deliver a direct impact on society and the regional economy. He assessed that when every campus is able to provide solutions to problems in its respective region, the aspiration of building national self-reliance will be achieved more quickly. Brian also stressed that national economic development requires cross-sector connectivity. Therefore, synergy between higher education, government, and industry is considered a prerequisite for strengthening Indonesia’s competitiveness.