Minister Brian Yuliarto Urges Campus Research to Drive National Development
Jakarta, 22 May 2026 — The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, has stressed that strengthening research in universities is the key to raising Indonesia’s competitiveness on the global stage. Speaking at the Plenary Session of the Academic Senate Assembly of State Universities with Legal Entity Status (PTN BH) on Friday, he emphasised that higher education institutions play a central role in determining Indonesia’s position amid intense global competition, particularly through practical science and technology development.
‘To translate knowledge into products is a long journey. Universities must partner strategically with industry to produce impactful works. A nation able to sustain developing research into industry holds the future of the economy,’ said Minister Brian.
Improving the quality of research is viewed as the fundamental foundation for supporting the national economy’s transformation towards a developed country status. Therefore, synergy among four main pillars — universities, industry, government, and society — must be strengthened so that research results do not stay merely in laboratories but address real needs of national development. In line with this, the Chair of the PTN BH Academic Senate Assembly said universities should broaden their real contributions through innovation and service to the community that directly improves welfare.
‘Universities should be able to impact society, industry, and government for the welfare of the Republic of Indonesia. This meeting is expected to evaluate our achievements and provide strategic recommendations,’ he added. Through this forum, the Ministry reiterates its commitment to strengthening an excellent higher education ecosystem. The government continues to push universities to produce innovations that are relevant and globally competitive. This strategic step is expected to become a major driver in supporting Indonesia Emas 2045, where Indonesia is projected to become one of the world’s knowledge- and innovation-based economies.
Belajaraya Jakarta 2026 was officially launched as part of a festival of education that brings together stakeholders to advance the quality of learning in Indonesia. The government emphasises the involvement of communities and stakeholders such as local authorities and industry for research outcomes to deliver tangible benefits. Universities are being urged to participate in building innovation sovereignty by mastering the value chain of strategic commodity sectors, such as critical minerals.