Higher Education Transformation Must Be Underpinned by Research Culture, Says Minister

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek) Brian Yuliarto has asserted that the transformation of higher education must be supported by strengthening quality, equalising capacity between campuses, and building a strong research and science culture. “The ultimate goal of research is what we can contribute to society. Because sustainable development is not just about completing research and publishing it. More than that, it is about how we can deliver impact from our work, knowledge, and research for the community,” he said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday. He considers that experience at various world-renowned universities shows that laboratories play a central role in building a productive science and research culture. This is also supported by lecturers and professors who create a productive academic atmosphere. Therefore, the Mendiktisaintek is encouraging the creation of a mutually supportive higher education network ecosystem through mentoring and collaboration mechanisms, so that the improvement of higher education quality can take place more inclusively and sustainably. “Currently, we are developing a mentorship system, where more advanced universities become mentors and coaches for other universities. We are also building inter-campus networks, because with the very large number of higher education institutions in Indonesia, collaboration and cooperation are key to improving the quality of higher education together,” he said. Through the vision of ‘Diktisaintek Berdampak’ (Impactful Higher Education, Science, and Technology), the ministry positions higher education, science, and technology as the engine of social and economic transformation focusing on eight strategic priority sectors, including food security, health, energy, maritime, defence, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, as well as downstreaming and industrialisation. To realise this, Minister Brian invited all global partners to build stronger and more meaningful collaboration to achieve an inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable future through the strategic role of higher education, science, and technology.