Yusril: Higher Education Must Produce Integrity in the Era of Transformation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra asserted that higher education must produce individuals of integrity in the era of transformation, during his scientific oration at the graduation ceremony at Universitas YARSI, Jakarta, on Saturday (25/4).
He explained that the transformation of higher education must not stop at mastering technology but should result in individuals who think critically, possess integrity, and have social responsibility.
“The future is not only determined by technological advancements, but by the quality of people who use them,” said Yusril when confirmed in Jakarta on Monday.
He underlined the global changes triggered by digitalisation, Industry 4.0 revolution, and artificial intelligence, which demand that universities adapt fundamentally.
According to him, the main challenge today is no longer the limitation of information, but the ability to filter and assess truth amid the flood of information.
Therefore, he continued, campuses are demanded not merely to deliver curricula, but also to shape the sharpness of thinking and intellectual maturity of students.
He elaborated that the transformation of higher education must proceed in three main dimensions: epistemic, ethical, and national.
In the epistemic dimension, students need to be equipped with critical, creative, and adaptive thinking abilities to changes in workforce needs.
Meanwhile, in the ethical dimension, Yusril reminded that technological advancements, including the use of artificial intelligence, must be accompanied by moral responsibility to avoid misuse, bias, or violations of human values.
Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of the national dimension in higher education. Yusril opined that universities must not be detached from national interests.
“Research and scientific development must be able to address real problems in society and strengthen justice and the quality of public life,” he stated.
In that context, he sees a close interconnection between higher education and the development of a civil rule-of-law state.
In front of the graduates, he also advised them not to stop learning, to maintain integrity, and to use technology wisely.
Yusril reminded that professional success is not only measured by technical abilities, but also by how one uses their expertise responsibly.
He further stated that the quality of universities is ultimately determined by the people they produce.
Thus, he hopes that Universitas YARSI graduates will become individuals who are not only academically intelligent, but also make real contributions to society, the nation, and humanity.