Speaking during a public lecture at the Indonesian Education Institute (IPI) in Garut, West Java, on Saturday (September 20), Brian said universities must be seen as strategic partners by local governments, industries, and communities.
“Universities are more than just centers of teaching and learning—they are hubs for solving challenges. Their research and innovation must contribute directly to national development,” Brian said in a press release issued on Sunday.
He urged universities to accelerate the downstreaming of research, particularly in food, agriculture, and energy, to deliver added economic value.
He also encouraged campuses to lead in waste management initiatives for cleaner, more sustainable communities.
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Brian emphasized that mastery of science and technology is essential to face global challenges such as Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
“Universities must not limit themselves to education. They must contribute through research, innovation, and community service, making real impacts at both regional and national levels,” he said.
Ferdiansyah, a member of Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR), echoed the minister’s message, stressing the need for education policies that address public needs.
He said the ministry’s programs must foster deeper engagement between universities and society.
“Universities should not only produce graduates—they must serve as engines of change and offer concrete solutions to social, economic, and environmental issues,” Ferdiansyah said.
The lecture was part of a broader effort to align higher education with the Asta Cita development vision, aimed at producing a generation of skilled, socially responsive, and innovative citizens.
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Translator: Sean, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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