Mendiktisaintek: Campus research needs to be aligned with regional requirements

The key point to note is that the results of research and innovations need to be aligned with the needs in each respective region… Surabaya (ANTARA) - The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek) Brian Yuliarto is encouraging higher education institutions to direct research and innovation in line with regional needs. “The key point to note is that the results of research and innovations need to be aligned with the needs in each respective region, so that what is researched and developed by universities can truly be utilised by local governments and the surrounding community,” said Mendiktisaintek Brian Yuliarto while attending the “Bincang Pagi” event in Surabaya, East Java, on Saturday. During the occasion, Mendiktisaintek discussed several strategic issues in higher education, ranging from educational equity, strengthening research, to developing Private Higher Education Institutions (PTS). According to him, the challenge of educational equity in Indonesia is still closely linked to the economic conditions of the community. Meanwhile, regarding research, he emphasised that the national research budget has not decreased. “Research funding has actually not decreased. The number of applications has increased three to four times, and there is a 25 percent honorarium. So the amount has not decreased; in fact, it has increased. However, the competition has become more intense,” said Mendiktisaintek Brian. In addition, Mendiktisaintek Brian stressed the importance of independent waste management in the campus environment. After the morning discussion event, the Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surabaya (Umsura) Prof Mundakir, along with the campus leadership team, invited Mendiktisaintek Brian to tour and view various innovations resulting from the work of lecturers and students under the auspices of the Center for Impactful Innovation (CII). Dozens of innovative products that have obtained Intellectual Property Rights (HAKI) were exhibited, ranging from education, health, economy, engineering, to other appropriate technology fields. “I think this is part of realising an Impactful Campus. We support that programme by directing campus research towards benefits in the surrounding environment,” he stated. He cited the collaboration between Umsura and the Surabaya City Government (Pemkot) in utilising solar panels for water pump houses as a form of the university’s contribution to the community. In addition, Umsura continues to develop new study programmes that are adaptive to community needs and industrial developments.