Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo has asked University of Indonesia (UI) to set an example by creating innovation.

"I believe UI can set an example with innovation in organization, curriculum and methodology to produce prime and competitive individuals and human resources," he said in his speech at the 68th anniversary event of the university here on Friday.

"UI can set an example in research and downstream industrial development that will improve the welfare of the people and help Indonesia win at global competition and rivalry. I am convinced UI is able to contribute a great deal for Indonesia to advance to meet our goals," he noted, drawing applause from students and lecturers attending the event.

To meet these ideals, UI must improve its curriculum as well as research programs to adapt to the latest technological developments and requirements, he remarked.

"I understand to change is not easy, but I am convinced UI can do it. Innovation is the key. Do not be trapped in routines. I have always reiterated it so far everywhere. New methodology must be developed. The wish of lecturers and students to innovate must always be boosted," he stated.

To meet this need, campuses must provide the necessary facilities, such as co-working spaces and creative hubs, and new innovations and creations must be funded, he said.

"Networking must be developed for innovators, and research works must be published and implemented. This means universities must work creatively and innovatively. Education must create new methods to produce new innovations and creative works," he remarked.

President Jokowi pointed out that higher learning institutes are the perfect organizations to act as a model for reform.

"It is an organization that is responsive to scientific and technological development, flexible to changes. I believe staff at universities are the most progressive and open to change and breakthroughs as well as anticipative," he said.

President Jokowi hoped universities, and UI in particular, would become supporters of the national ecosystem to respond to the 4.0 industrial revolution.

He stated that the revolution may manifest in various forms such as digitalization in computing and data analysis to produce various technologies, such as cyber physics in autonomous vehicles and 3D printing of advanced robots, as well as in the form of the internet of change, big data, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, block chain and cryptocurrencies.

"This technological development may affect the national as well as international economic, sociocultural and political landscapes," he remarked, referring to the decline of supermarkets in the wake of the online market or the reduction in travel agents because of the presence of online ticketing as examples.

He said the government has also been forced to work fast and efficiently, while the work of administrators and accountants has been automated.

UI in 2017 was ranked 277th based on the QS World University Rankings, up from 325 in 2016 and 64 in Asia, according to UI rector Muhammad Anis.

"As a university that carries the name of Indonesia, it has the obligation to discuss, offer solutions and policies and participate actively in the resolution of the strategic problems of the nation," he added.

Reported by Desca Lidya Natalia
(H-YH/INE)
EDITED BY INE/H-YH
(T.SYS/B/KR-BSR/A/H-YH)

Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018