Parliament Reminds of the Importance of In-Depth Study on Closing Study Programmes

The government itself may not be able to predict what industries will emerge in the future.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Lalu Hadrian Irfani, has reminded of the importance of in-depth studies regarding plans to close several study programmes (prodi) that are deemed less relevant to industrial growth in Indonesia.

“There needs to be a truly in-depth study so that the policies taken do not instead harm the future of education and the nation’s long-term needs,” said Lalu, quoted in Jakarta on Tuesday.

According to him, the closure of study programmes must be based on comprehensive studies and involve various stakeholders.

“The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology must not act hastily in closing study programmes. There must be in-depth studies, and the process needs to involve many parties, including academics, industry players, and the public,” Lalu stated.

He added that the dynamics of industrial growth today are happening very quickly and are difficult to predict. Therefore, the government cannot be certain about what types of industries will develop in the future.

Furthermore, Lalu Hadrian reminded that a study programme currently considered less relevant domestically may not truly be unnecessary. It could be, he said, that the programme is actually relevant to industrial developments at the global level.

“It could be that a certain study programme is still relevant to industries abroad, but the industry has not yet developed in Indonesia. In such a situation, it is not the programme that is irrelevant, but rather us who have not yet been able to create the industrial ecosystem,” he said.

For this reason, he once again emphasised the importance of a careful approach based on research before making decisions to close study programmes. He also encouraged the government not only to focus on adjusting education to industry but also to actively play a role in encouraging the birth of new industries domestically.

Secretary General of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Badri Munir Sukoco, at the National Population Symposium 2026 in Badung Regency, Bali, on Thursday (23/4), said this step is being taken to reduce the mismatch between university graduates and industry.