Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Emphasises that Closing Study Programmes is Not the Primary Option
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) has emphasised that the closure of study programmes is not the primary option in higher education restructuring policies.
Acting Secretary General of Kemdiktisaintek, Badri Munir Sukoco, stated that closure is only the final option if a study programme no longer meets quality standards, lacks adequate academic sustainability, and cannot be further developed.
“Kemdiktisaintek emphasises that closing study programmes is not the primary choice. Closure is only the last resort if, based on a comprehensive evaluation, a study programme no longer meets quality standards, lacks adequate academic sustainability, and cannot be developed further through mentoring or transformation measures,” Badri said in a written statement on Tuesday (28/4).
Badri stated that the restructuring of study programmes in higher education institutions is carried out in a measured, comprehensive manner and based on thorough studies.
He explained that the restructuring of study programmes is not intended to make higher education institutions subservient solely to industrial interests.
“Higher education still has a major mandate in developing scientific knowledge, shaping character, strengthening critical thinking, and building the foundation of the nation’s civilisation,” he said.
Badri stated that the evaluation of study programmes is not only based on aspects of interest or employability, but also on the quality of learning, lecturer capacity, academic sustainability, scientific contributions, national strategic needs, and regional development equity.
In its implementation, the primary approach promoted by Kemdiktisaintek is the transformation of study programmes.
“These steps include strengthening competency-based curricula, project-based learning, developing interdisciplinary programmes, major-minor schemes, enhancing research collaborations, and adjusting graduate competencies to future needs,” he said.
He explained that basic sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, and non-applied fields still hold important positions in the national talent architecture.
Badri emphasised that the government does not view higher education narrowly as a workforce provider, but rather as a centre for developing knowledge, innovation, culture, leadership, and solutions for society.
“In line with the direction of impactful Diktisaintek policies, Kemdiktisaintek continues to encourage healthy linkages between higher education institutions, industry, government, and society. Such collaboration is necessary so that graduates are not only job-ready but also capable of creating jobs, building innovation, and addressing national challenges,” he said.