University of Indonesia to Focus on STEM Education

Head of the Development Control and Special Investigation Agency (Bappisus) Aris Marsudiyanto stated that Universitas Republik Indonesia will focus on education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). President Prabowo Subianto recently announced the establishment of the institution. “One of the focuses is on that (STEM), but there will also be many other study programmes. For example, health, medicine,” Aris said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Thursday, 23 July 2026. Aris noted that President Prabowo is paying close attention to the preparation of superior human resources to welcome the Indonesia Emas 2045 vision. He argued that Indonesia possesses abundant natural wealth but remains behind in technological mastery. Therefore, the government is pushing to strengthen education in the STEM sector. “It is impossible for us to have such abundant natural resources but low-quality human resources. Look, we have all kinds of natural resources, yet until now we are technologically behind,” Aris said. For this reason, Aris emphasised that President Prabowo is focused on advancing STEM education so that the nation can eventually master its own technology. However, Aris stated that Universitas Republik Indonesia will not only focus on science and technology study programmes. The government, through this institution, will also strengthen the health sector, including medical education. “Health, medicine, also need to be improved because they are still very lacking,” Aris said. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa mentioned that the funding for Universitas Republik Indonesia would be linked to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. However, he could not yet confirm the financing scheme, including whether all funds would come from the state budget (APBN). “Some of the funds for URI, I don’t know, I will check again. If I am not mistaken, it is connected to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology,” Purbaya said. On Wednesday, 22 July 2026, President Prabowo inaugurated Deputy Minister of Defence Donny Ermawan Taufanto as the Governor of Universitas Republik Indonesia. The inauguration took place at the State Palace in Jakarta, alongside the appointment of Yos Sunitiyoso, a professor of business from the Bandung Institute of Technology, as deputy governor. Following the inauguration, Donny said URI is a new institution specifically created to educate future officials for the government and state-owned enterprises (BUMN). “The President is very concerned about human resources, especially for Indonesia’s future leaders,” he said. According to Donny, URI plans to establish ten campuses. Its graduates will receive degrees like those from other universities, including doctorates, bachelor’s degrees, and engineering degrees.