Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Explains Shift from 'Engineering' to 'Rekayasa' Terminology
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) has addressed the change in nomenclature for study programmes from ‘teknik’ to ‘rekayasa’. This policy is outlined in the Copy of the Decree of the Director General of Higher Education of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Number 96/B/KPT/202lar regarding the Names of Study Programmes in Academic and Professional Education.
Kemdiktisaintek stated that the use of the term ‘rekayasa’ for several study programmes is the official Indonesian equivalent of the term ‘engineering’, as listed in the Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (KBBI). In the KBBI, ‘rekayasa’ is defined as the application of scientific principles in the design, construction, and operation of systems, technology, or construction effectively and efficiently.
“Therefore, the use of the term ‘rekayasa’ is not a new term, but rather part of the development and standardisation of scientific terminology in the Indonesian language,” Kemdiktisaintek wrote, quoting Antara.
Not Mandatory
Nevertheless, Kemdiktisaintek emphasised that the use of the term ‘rekayasa’ is not intended to replace the term ‘teknik’, which has been widely used and possesses a strong history, reputation, and recognition within Indonesian higher education. Study programmes such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, and other ‘teknik’ nomenclatures remain vital and are fully recognised within the engineering cluster.
“There is no policy that mandates universities to change the ‘teknik’ nomenclature to ‘rekayasa’,” the statement clarified.
In practice, Kemdiktisaintek explained that the term ‘rekayasa’ appears more frequently in multidisciplinary fields and emerging technologies, such as software engineering, bioengineering, computer engineering technology, and advanced materials engineering technology.
Kemdiktisaintek has urged the public to view this issue more substantively. The primary focus of higher education remains on the quality of learning, graduate competence, relevance to industry and societal needs, and its contribution to national progress.
The Ministry also underlined that there is no abolition of the term ‘Teknik’ and no obligation to change the nomenclature from ‘Teknik’ to ‘Rekayasa’.
“Both remain recognised within the engineering cluster. The most important thing is to ensure that every study programme has strong quality standards, a relevant curriculum, and competent graduates capable of meeting the nation’s needs,” Kemdiktisaintek stated.