Mendiktisaintek pushes for strengthening Indonesia's defence technology independence

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek) Brian Yuliarto has underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in strengthening national defence technology independence in the era of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA).

This was stated during a public lecture at the Army Staff and Command School (Seskoad) in Jakarta on Friday (10/4), held as part of the Regular Education (Dikreg) LXVII at the Army Staff and Command School (Seskoad) for the 2026 Academic Year, aimed at equipping Student Officers (Pasis) with a strategic understanding of digital leadership in the VUCA era.

“When we talk about digital leadership in the VUCA era, we are actually discussing how this nation prepares superior human resources, builds scientific knowledge, strengthens innovation, and connects all of it to the country’s strategic needs,” said the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday.

Minister Brian also highlighted that leadership in the digital era requires a science-based foundation, rapid decision-making, and the utilisation of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

In this context, the role of higher education is crucial in producing adaptive and analytical human resources.

“Indonesia must not merely be a market for defence technology. Indonesia must be a nation of creators, a nation of developers, and a nation capable of standing tall on its own strength,” he stated.

Brian indicated that his office is encouraging the downstreaming of research results from higher education institutions into concrete applications through partnerships with industry, including in the development of strategic technologies such as data systems, AI, and semiconductor-based industrial components.

This effort aligns with the directives of the President of the Republic of Indonesia (RI), Prabowo Subianto, to strengthen national technological independence as the foundation of national sovereignty.

“We realise that future challenges cannot be addressed sectorally. Synergy is needed between education, research, and field practice so that we can build adaptive and sustainable defence capabilities,” said Agustinus Purboyo.