Ministry of Higher Education Explains Discourse on Closing Study Programmes

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology states that the discourse on closing university study programmes (prodi) considered irrelevant to industry needs is part of the transformation of higher education. The aim is claimed to improve quality, relevance, and the contribution of higher education institutions to national development.

Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Badri Munir Sukoco, explained that before closure, study programmes will first be evaluated. This evaluation will not only consider aspects of interest or job absorption but also teaching quality, lecturer capacity, academic sustainability, scientific contributions, national strategic needs, and regional development equity.

Badri stated that the closure of prodi is not the primary option. “Closure is only the last resort if a study programme, based on a comprehensive evaluation, no longer meets quality standards, lacks adequate academic sustainability, and cannot be developed further through guidance or transformation measures,” said Badri when contacted on Monday, 27 April 2026.

In its implementation, Badri added, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology will first encourage the transformation of study programmes. This transformation includes strengthening competency-based curricula, project-based learning, developing interdisciplinary programmes, major-minor schemes, enhancing research collaborations, and aligning graduate competencies with future needs.

Badri stated that basic sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, and non-applied fields will continue to hold important positions in the national talent architecture. “The government does not view higher education narrowly as a workforce provider, but as a centre for developing knowledge, innovation, culture, leadership, and solutions for society,” he said.

Previously, the plan to close prodi was conveyed by Badri at the 2026 National Population Symposium in Badung Regency, Bali, on Thursday, 23 April 2026, drawing much criticism. At that time, Badri said this step was taken to reduce the gap between higher education graduates and the competencies needed in the workforce.

Badri also mentioned the surplus of graduates in certain study programmes as a reason for the government to reorganise prodi. One example is the teaching or education major, which produces 490,000 teaching graduates each year, while the need for prospective teachers is only 20,000 people.

Badri urged higher education institutions to willingly select which prodi need to be closed. “Later, there may be some that we have to execute in a not too long time regarding prodi; we need to select, sort, and if necessary, close them to increase relevance,” said Badri.