Minister: Indonesia Needs Superior Human Resources in Maritime Technology
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Mendiktisaintek) Brian Yuliarto affirmed that Indonesia needs human resources in the field of maritime technology who possess leadership character, integrity, and the ability to adapt to the transformation of the global maritime industry.
In a scientific oration delivered at the Open Senate Session of the Jakarta College of Maritime Studies (STIP) on Wednesday, the Minister explained that the world currently faces increasingly complex and interconnected problems, ranging from climate change, food security, and migration, to the development of artificial intelligence.
He judged that these conditions demand human resources capable of integrating science, technology, ethics, and policy to produce solutions with a real impact on society.
Minister Brian noted that Indonesia’s geographical position is highly strategic, and the sea is seen as the nation’s future as well as a source of economy, food, energy, and defence.
Therefore, he asserted that Indonesia needs world-class maritime human resources who are not only capable of operating vessels, but also of becoming leaders who bring innovation to the maritime sector.
According to him, leaders are those who are ready to take responsibility, able to make decisions in conditions full of uncertainty, maintain their team’s trust, continue learning, and possess critical thinking, communication, collaboration, integrity, and leadership skills.
“I also want to remind you of one thing: technology never replaces leadership. When a storm comes, when communication is disrupted, when decisions must be made in a matter of seconds, what determines the outcome is not an algorithm or AI — what determines it remains the human being,” said Minister Brian.
He invited graduates to become officers who care about the environment, in line with the development of green shipping practices. Maritime transport officers are expected to play a role in reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, preventing marine pollution, and preserving the sustainability of marine ecosystems for future generations.
The Minister stressed that STIP graduates need to combine mastery of science and technology with integrity and professional ethics. This combination will shape officers who are professional as well as maritime leaders capable of bringing progress to Indonesia.
“The greater the knowledge and position you hold, the humbler your attitude should be. On board a ship, leadership is not built by rank alone — far more important is setting an example,” said Brian Yuliarto.