Head of Commission X: Changes to Engineering Study Programmes into 'Rekayasa' Should Not Just Be a Name Change

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Head of Commission X in the Indonesian House of Representatives, Hetifah Sjaifudian, hopes that the change in nomenclature from ‘Teknik’ (Engineering) to ‘Rekayasa’ for study programmes is more than just a name change.

This was conveyed by Hetifah in response to the decision made by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek), which officially changed the nomenclature of ‘Teknik’ study programmes to ‘Rekayasa’ across all universities in Indonesia.

“The main focus of higher education should still be directed towards improving the quality of education and the competitiveness of graduates, not just changing the name of the study programme,” Hetifah told Kompas.com on Sunday (17/5/2026).

According to her, the name change must be accompanied by strengthening the substance of the curriculum and improving the quality of graduates.

“The spirit of this change should truly be able to boost competitiveness,” she said.

“Most importantly, the government needs to ensure that this change does not have a negative impact on graduates, especially in terms of accreditation, professional certification, job recruitment processes, or international recognition,” Hetifah added.

The decision was made based on the Decree of the Director General of Higher Education Number 96/B/KPT/2025 concerning the Name of Study Programmes in Academic and Professional Education. The change was signed by the Director General of Higher Education, Khairul Munadi, on September 9, 2025.

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