Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology: Closing Study Programmes is Not Our Policy

Addressing concerns regarding the closure of study programmes that are deemed irrelevant to industrial needs, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, has ensured that the Ministry is not pursuing a policy of closure, but rather one of development to meet contemporary demands. He stated that the current government is prioritising the guidance and development of scientific substance to ensure it remains relevant to the changing times.

‘Regarding the developing issue that the Ministry of Higher Education will close study programmes to adjust to future industrial growth, we can convey that this is not our policy,’ he stated during a working meeting with Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) on Tuesday.

Furthermore, Brian mentioned that study programmes are actually being encouraged to update their learning focus to be more attractive and applicable. For instance, mathematics is being transformed into actuarial science to ensure graduates are more readily absorbed by the business world. Another example of adaptation can be seen in electrical engineering programmes, where curricula are increasingly developing specialisations in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics technology.

To ensure consistent curriculum updates, the Minister requested that coordinating bodies within each study programme conduct routine evaluations every three to four years. These periodic evaluations aim to measure the proportion of fundamental science that must be maintained, as well as determining the extent to which learning materials should be directed towards more implementable fields.

Brian also explained that the mechanism for closing a study programme can only be executed if there is a direct proposal from the university concerned or as a sanction resulting from serious violations. ‘Once again, we convey that rather than closing, we are developing study programmes to match industrial needs, but not through closure, but by developing and adjusting the substance being taught,’ he concluded.