Varsities must deliver real solutions, not just journals: Ministry

Speaking Monday at the launch of Surabaya State University’s Academic Mobility Impactful Student Program for 2026-2027, Fauzan said students should learn from communities.

He said students should engage with diverse social realities and help address community problems, fostering collaboration among universities, government, businesses, communities and media.

“Academic work produced by universities should not merely end up in scientific journals but also provide real solutions and direct benefits for society,” he said.

About 16,000 Unesa students will spend four months in communities, learning from social realities while helping address local challenges.

The program involves 1,152 domestic and international partners from government, business, industry, community and other organizations.

Fauzan said field experience helps develop graduates who excel academically while also collaborating, adapting, solving problems and showing empathy.

Unesa Rector Nurhasan said academic mobility serves as a “life laboratory,” allowing students to apply classroom knowledge through real-world experiences.

Students will join nine activities: internships, school field introductions, research, exchanges, thematic community service, entrepreneurship, independent studies, teaching assistance and humanitarian projects.

Related news: Unhas uses Monopoly game to boost climate literacy among students

Related news: Over 80 varsities join Sumatra disaster recovery efforts: Minister

Translator: Willi, Kenzu