Legislator: Renaming Engineering Study Programmes Aligns with Global Terminology

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Lalu Hadrian Irfani, supports the policy of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) to change the nomenclature of Engineering study programmes to ‘Rekayasa’ across all Indonesian universities.

According to Lalu, this nomenclature change is a positive step in strengthening Indonesia’s higher education system, particularly in the field of engineering, making it more relevant and in line with the international term ‘engineering’ used in global academia.

The change in nomenclature has been in effect since 9 September 2025, based on the Decree of the Director General of Higher Education Number 96/B/KPT/2025 regarding the Names of Study Programmes in Academic and Professional Education. Nevertheless, Lalu emphasised that this policy should not be understood as a compulsory change.

He stated that universities must still be given space and academic freedom to adjust the implementation of the policy according to the conditions and readiness of each institution.

“The most important thing is not merely the change of name, but how universities continue to improve the quality of Engineering or Rekayasa education so that they are able to produce innovations that are beneficial to society and national development. Therefore, research and innovation must continue to advance,” he said.

On this occasion, Lalu also encouraged the government to provide tangible support for the results of research, innovation, and the works produced by students and lecturers in the field of Engineering or Rekayasa.

“The government must be present to support the development of research, innovation, and the works of the nation’s children from campuses. In doing so, Engineering or Rekayasa education will truly become the driving force for the progress of industry, technology, and national independence,” Lalu added.