Expert: Discussion on eliminating study programmes is premature and imprecise

Bengkulu (ANTARA) - Dr Anzori Tawakal, an expert in public policy and economics at Dehasen University Bengkulu, considers the discourse on eliminating study programmes to be premature, lacking in-depth analysis, and imprecise if implemented, as it fails to consider the comprehensive function of higher education. “It is still too early to deem a study programme or prodi irrelevant and eliminate it because education is not only about meeting workforce needs but also about building human knowledge and capabilities,” said Dr Anzori Tawakal in Bengkulu on Thursday. He stated that the national education objective is to enlighten the life of the nation in a broad sense, encompassing the development of knowledge, thinking abilities, and individual skills in various fields. Several study programmes, he continued, play a crucial role in producing researchers, academics, and thinkers who contribute to the advancement of science and civilisation. Furthermore, he noted that higher education graduates have options to continue their studies to higher levels such as master’s and doctoral programmes in their fields of expertise. In addition, market mechanisms are deemed more appropriate for determining the sustainability of a study programme based on student interest and societal needs. Anzori believes that the focus should instead be on improving the quality of education and quality standards to produce competent and ethical graduates.