Prabowo wants to meet rectors monthly for input on advancing Indonesia

President Prabowo Subianto has stated he wants to meet more frequently with rectors and professors to obtain input for advancing the lives of Indonesian people. “In my view, meeting the rectors four times is nothing. If necessary, we should meet every month,” Prabowo said while closing the National Convention on Science, Technology and Industry (KSTI) in Jakarta on Sunday. The president said technological developments have made relations between countries closer, meaning conflicts in other parts of the world can impact Indonesia. Therefore, the government needs perspectives from academics in formulating policy. He added that as head of state, he needs to discuss with many intelligent people to exchange views on various national issues. Proposals put forward included providing doctoral scholarships for lecturers at both public and private universities, increasing the allocation of state-owned enterprise funds for research and innovation, and strengthening cooperation between Indonesian universities and foreign institutions. “I will follow up immediately. Because I believe that difficulties must be faced and we must be brave enough to face difficulties, brave enough to acknowledge difficulties, and work hard to find solutions to difficulties,” the president said. The KSTI National Convention took place from 26 to 28 June 2026 with the theme ‘Strategy for Economic Independence and Indonesian Welfare’. The event included symposiums and panel discussions on agriculture, energy, economy and finance, food security, marine and fisheries, downstreaming, and industry. The convention was attended by around 2,600 rectors, lecturers, researchers, scientists and university representatives along with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).