Higher Education Minister's Message on National Education Day 2026: Universities Must Be Responsive
Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto reminded universities that they must build an academic ecosystem responsive to future needs. This message was delivered by Brian while leading the National Education Day (Hardiknas) ceremony in Jakarta on Saturday, 2 May 2026.
Brian stated that universities must encourage high-quality and impactful research by lecturers. Such research, according to Brian, should not merely end in publications but must produce innovations and solutions that address societal problems.
“National research focus must also be directed towards priority and strategic programmes in key future sectors, such as energy, food, health, environment, and technology,” said Brian.
In line with that, Brian added that President Prabowo Subianto also urged universities to create human resources suited to national needs. Research and academic activities on campuses are requested to align with national priority programmes.
“So what does that mean? It means we hope the human resources we produce are indeed suited to the needs of our nation,” said Brian.
In addition to improving the quality and direction of learning, Brian said that expanding access to education is a current government priority. He stated that this expansion is carried out through various affirmative and inclusive schemes, including the Indonesia Smart Card (KIP) for higher education, affirmative higher education scholarships, as well as pre-doctoral and doctoral scholarships.
“This step ensures that every child of the nation has an equal opportunity to access education up to the highest levels,” said Brian.
For Brian, the 2026 Hardiknas commemoration also underscores the importance of participation by all elements of the nation in building education. The government, families, educational units, universities, the business world, and society are encouraged to collaborate in creating an inclusive, relevant, and sustainable education ecosystem.
On the other hand, the All-Indonesian Student Executive Body (BEM SI) will hold a demonstration action to commemorate National Education Day (Hardiknas) on 2 May 2026. The demonstration will take place in the Patung Kuda Arjuna Wijaya area, Central Jakarta.
In a post on the Instagram account @bem_si, this demonstration carries the hashtag #GelapGulitaPendidikanIndonesia. BEM SI highlights the condition of education that still faces disparities and policies that stray from the people’s interests.
“Hardiknas is not just a ceremony. This is a moment of resistance, a moment to voice the truth,” reads the caption of the Instagram post @bem_si, as seen by Tempo, Saturday, 2 May 2026.
Some of the demonstration’s demands include reforming education budget governance and separating public education budgets from civil service ones, urging central and regional governments to make education a substantive priority, not just a formality in budgeting, and demanding equitable access to quality education in 3T regions, remote areas, and vulnerable groups.