Minister of Higher Education Calls on USK to Become Research Centre for Developing Aceh's Potential

Aceh possesses promising natural resource potential, and Syiah Kuala University (USK) must become a research centre capable of developing these resources, according to Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto.

“Aceh has promising natural resource potential. Therefore, USK must be able to serve as a research centre in developing this existing potential,” Yuliarto said in Banda Aceh on Monday.

The statement was made during the inauguration of Prof Mirza Tabrani as USK Rector, delivered via written remarks read by Prof Khairul Munadi, Director General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology at the ministry.

According to the minister, USK’s role as a research centre must drive regional development and economic growth whilst addressing community challenges in both Aceh and Indonesia more broadly.

“We hope USK can take its role as a research centre in developing Aceh’s natural resources so that their management is sustainable and provides maximum benefit to the community,” Yuliarto said.

The minister also called on USK’s academic community to participate in post-disaster recovery efforts for Aceh. Recovery efforts must extend beyond physical reconstruction to strengthen community resilience in facing future disasters.

“USK has a tsunami research and disaster mitigation centre. This research centre’s presence must be continuously strengthened to improve community preparedness for disasters, especially as Aceh is located in a major disaster epicentre,” Yuliarto said.