Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Denies Plans to Close Study Programmes Unaligned with Industry Needs

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, attended a working meeting with Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) on Tuesday, 2 June 2026. During the session, Brian refuted rumours that the ministry intends to close study programmes that do not align with future industrial needs.

Addressing the circulating issues regarding the closure of programmes to match future industrial developments, Brian stated, “We can convey that such an action is not our policy.” He explained that the government’s focus is on developing and updating the substance of learning to ensure it remains relevant to scientific advancements and the requirements of the workforce.

He acknowledged that 122 study programmes were closed throughout 2026, but clarified that all such closures were based on proposals from the universities themselves, rather than a government mandate to abolish specific fields of study. “We need to convey that throughout 2026, 122 study programmes have indeed been closed, but all these closures were based on proposals from the organising bodies of both public and private universities,” he said.

The Minister further detailed the reasons behind these university-led closures, noting that some were due to declining student enrolment or a desire to transition into more popular fields. For instance, he cited the transformation of mathematics programmes into actuarial science to better meet industry demand.

Furthermore, the government intends to update the curriculum and substance of existing programmes to keep pace with science and technology. According to the Minister, current changes primarily involve the subject matter taught rather than the existence of the programmes themselves. “The study programmes are not being closed, but rather the substance is being updated. For example, what was previously an electrical engineering department has now evolved to include AI, machine learning, or robotics,” he explained. Consequently, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology is encouraging periodic evaluations through working bodies or coordination forums for study programmes within each scientific field.