Ministry clarifies the use of 'rekayasa' in study programme nomenclature

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) has explained the change in nomenclature from ‘teknik’ to ‘rekayasa’ in the latest study programme nomenclature, which has been the subject of public discussion recently.

This policy is outlined in the Copy of the Decree of the Director General of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Number 96/B/KPT/2025 concerning the Names of Study Programmes in Academic and Professional Education.

In an official statement in Jakarta on Friday, Kemdiktisaintek stated that the use of the term ‘rekayasa’ in several study programmes is the official Indonesian equivalent of the term ‘engineering’, as listed in the Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI).

In the KBBI, ‘rekayasa’ is defined as the application of scientific principles in the design, construction, and operation of systems, technologies, or structures effectively and efficiently.

However, Kemdiktisaintek emphasised that the use of the term ‘rekayasa’ is not intended to replace the term ‘teknik’, which has been widely used and has a strong history, reputation, and recognition in Indonesian higher education.

Study programmes such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, and other engineering nomenclatures remain an important and fully recognised part of the engineering field.

‘There is no policy requiring universities to change the nomenclature from ’teknik’ to ‘rekayasa’,’ the statement said.

Kemdiktisaintek invites the public to look at this issue in a more substantive way. The main focus of higher education remains on the quality of learning, the competence of graduates, relevance to the needs of industry and society, and its contribution to the progress of the nation.

Kemdiktisaintek also underlined that there is no elimination of the term ‘Teknik’ and there is no obligation to change the nomenclature from ‘Teknik’ to ‘Rekayasa’.

‘Both are still recognised in the field of engineering. The most important thing is to ensure that each study programme has strong quality standards, a relevant curriculum, and competent graduates who are able to meet the needs of the nation,’ said Kemdiktisaintek.