Towards world-class universities based on regional strengths

Many Indonesian higher education institutions aspire to become world-class universities through international publications, global cooperation, academic mobility and rankings. All of these are important, but the fundamental question is: for what purpose, and through what strategy?

A world-class university should not merely imitate renowned universities. If everyone pursues the same indicators, the world will lose the intellectual richness of each region’s uniqueness.

Therefore, the more appropriate question is: “What can we contribute to the world because we are located in this region?” This is where regional strengths become strategic capital.

Local to global

Every region has different problems, resources, cultures and opportunities. These distinctive characteristics are not limitations, but rather sources of academic excellence that are globally relevant.

Various issues, such as tropical forests, climate change, biodiversity, maritime affairs, food, health, education in remote areas, and digital transformation, have both local and global dimensions. Universities in those regions have the advantage of understanding them from the source.

Universities do not need to excel in all fields. They should choose fields rooted in regional strengths or problems, that have scientific value and global relevance, and are supported by academic capacity that can be developed sustainably.