President reminds universities are arenas for contesting ideas
President Prabowo Subianto has reminded that higher education institutions are places for debating ideas, which constitutes a form of academic freedom, rather than places for confrontation.
During the closing of the National Seminar of the Convention of Science, Technology, and Indonesian Industry (KSTI) in Jakarta on Sunday, President Prabowo stated that as a large ship named Indonesia, the nation requires its full potential to unite in producing thoughts and initiatives for national progress.
“I said yesterday, we have different views, and that is no problem. Universities are places where ideas are contested. Contesting ideas, views, philosophies, and innovations. That is what is meant by campuses having academic freedom,” he said.
He requested that higher education institutions remain active in dedicating themselves to the fields of science and technology that can provide benefits to the general public.
Such dedication is vital considering that public funds contribute to the development of higher education in Indonesia, not only for government-managed universities but also for private ones.
The President reminded that the private sector also receives various forms of assistance derived from public taxes, including electricity and fuel (BBM) subsidies.
Prabowo assured that every proposal received will be considered, and those deemed beneficial will be followed up. He also joked that he does not only listen to suggestions and input from professors and senior lecturers, but also from children in villages shared via social media.
Some of the inputs already received by the President include doctoral scholarships for lecturers from both state and private universities, the allocation of State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN) profits for research and innovation funding, cooperation between Indonesian campuses and overseas institutions, and strategies for processing raw materials into finished products.
“At a glance, I read earlier and heard many very good proposals. They are very sensible and we will follow them up immediately,” said Prabowo Subianto.