Deputy Minister: Higher Education Must Become More Adaptable

Malang, East Java (ANTARA) – Deputy Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Fauzan said universities need to adopt more adaptable education governance so they can continue to serve as an architecture for development.

Speaking at Malang State University in Malang, East Java, on Sunday, Fauzan said higher education today must deliver learning systems that are relevant to the changing times.

“Universities are centres of innovation, tasked with producing excellent human resources who can benefit society and make a positive impact,” he said.

He said universities could become more adaptable by reshaping their learning systems so they do not focus solely on theory in the classroom, but also help students understand developing issues and social challenges.

That way, graduates would be prepared not only with the skills to work, but also with the sensitivity and determination to provide concrete solutions for society.

“As an example, you should not just teach about swimming, because a child will not be able to swim that way. But if you teach them how to do it, they can,” he said.

Malang State University Rector Hariyono said the institution’s education was based on an emancipatory approach that went beyond academic and technical skills to strengthen students’ social capabilities.

He said social skills would help students adapt to changes that bring a range of new challenges.

“What we learn today will differ from what is needed in the future. Fifteen years ago, for example, no one would have imagined a world without print media, whereas now most media are online,” he said.

He stressed that change without the ability to adapt would put graduates at a disadvantage.

“What we are changing is not just knowledge, but mindsets. This is important so that change becomes an inherent part of life,” he said.