APTISI Prepares Private Universities for Education Changes in the AI Era
The development of artificial intelligence (AI) and changing workforce needs are prompting private universities to adapt their education, research and innovation strategies. To address these changes, the Association of Indonesian Private Universities (APTISI), together with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, has prepared a leadership development programme for private university rectors.
The first cohort of the APTISI Executive Rector Leadership Academy (AERLA) runs from 21 to 23 October 2026. Its curriculum covers leadership, higher education policy, industry partnerships and AI-based campus development.
APTISI Chairman Budi Djatmiko said strengthening university leaders’ capabilities was an important factor in improving education quality. Rectors are expected to adapt campus management to technological developments and industry needs.
“The challenges facing private universities today are highly complex, ranging from digitalisation and research articulation to the commercialisation of innovation. Through AERLA, we are building strong, innovative leadership at private universities, ready to help Indonesian private campuses compete globally and contribute directly to the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045,” Budi said on Wednesday (21 October 2026).
Budi said technological change could reshape teaching and learning, research development and university governance. Campus leaders therefore need the ability to respond to change while preparing graduates for the needs of the labour market.
“Education in the future will be very different from what it is today. We must therefore prepare rectors and university leaders early so they can face those changes,” Budi said.
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Brian Yuliarto backed the leadership development programme. He said cooperation between the government and private universities was needed to improve the quality of human resources.
“AERLA is not simply a formal training course, but a movement to transform campus leadership and create university leaders who are visionary, relevant to the latest developments in science and technology, and able to respond to the challenges of future industries,” Brian said.
The ministry’s Director General of Higher Education, Khairul Munadi, said the programme aligned with efforts to increase universities’ contributions to society and business. The ministry also runs the Future Leaders programme to develop leadership at public universities and prepare future leaders.
Through AERLA, APTISI and the ministry hope private university leaders will improve teaching quality, develop research and innovation, and build closer ties with industry. The programme also gives rectors an opportunity to exchange experience in responding to changes in higher education.
Plans for AERLA have been in development since 2025, under a joint-funding arrangement. The first cohort is scheduled to conclude with a graduation ceremony for participants on Friday (23 October 2026) at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology’s auditorium.
In the longer term, APTISI hopes the programme will reach around 4,200 more rectors. Leadership development is also planned for deans, heads of study programmes, university leaders and foundation executives.