Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology States Universities Must Build Sustainability
Madiun (ANTARA) - The Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Wamendiktisaintek), Prof Fauzan, stated that universities must be capable of building sustainability to effectively fulfil their functions amidst contemporary societal challenges.
“Universities must be able to build institutional sustainability and the governance of the Tri Dharma (the three pillars of higher education) amidst the challenges and needs of society and the environment. Universities must not be ignorant of who will eventually employ their graduates,” Fauzan remarked during a working visit to the Muhammability University of East Java (UMJT) in Madiun, East Java, on Saturday.
He noted that educational institutions, including higher education, play a vital and strategic role in shaping the future of their students. This sentiment is supported by research conducted by the Higher Education Council within the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology regarding the expectations of parents and prospective students.
“The answer is that universities must provide certainty regarding graduation timelines, possess extensive networks, and ensure the future livelihood of students by making it easier for them to find employment,” he explained.
As a campus currently in its development phase, the former two-term Rector of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) assessed that UMJT—which has recently undergone a name transformation from the University of Muhammadiyah Madiun (UMMAD)—needs to implement various strategic steps to realise its role.
“Since it is still new, the necessary actions must be carefully mapped out,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of providing humanist services to students. He argued that university services should not merely satisfy administrative requirements but must also foster a sense of comfort and well-being among the student body.
In his concluding remarks, Fauzan encouraged the entire academic community of UMJT to maintain confidence that the campus will grow into a major university in the future.
UMJT Madiun was previously known as the University of Muhammadiyah Madiun. The name change was issued based on the Decree of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Number 480/B/O/2026 on 5 May 2026, organised by the Muhammadiyah Organisation.
UMJT offers various strategic study programmes, including Health Administration, Bio-entrepreneurship, Actuarial Science, Social Welfare, Communication Science, Environmental Science, and Midwifery (Diploma 3), among other flagship programmes.