"Competition between nations moves very fast, and technology evolves rapidly, so we need wise figures, who are our scholars," Yuliarto said during the National Assembly of Professors of State Universities with Legal Entities (MDGB PTN-BH) meeting in Padang, West Sumatra, on Friday.
He highlighted the accelerating pace of global change as a key reason the MDGB PTN-BH forum is important. The forum, he said, reflects a collective desire to consolidate Indonesia’s hopes for progress and prosperity.
He expressed his belief that Indonesia's future lies with professors across the nation's universities.
"The backbone of higher education in Indonesia is the PTN-BH universities, and among them, professors act as the locomotive," Yuliarto said.
He noted that universities are gathering places for Indonesia's brightest minds, expected to generate innovative ideas and breakthroughs for national development.
Looking at the evolution of higher education, he outlined university 1.0: teaching; 2.0: research; 3.0: industry; and 4.0: direct engagement with society.
"The progress of a nation truly depends on the strength of its universities," he added.
Meanwhile, MDGB PTN-BH Chair Muhammad Baiquni described the forum as a platform for ideas, reflection, and action.
In this context, several programs have been implemented, including online intensive lectures attended by universities across Indonesia and in-person leadership training.
Baiquni acknowledged that global challenges are not easy to face but said universities' internal strength can serve as the key to contributing more to society.
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Translator: Zulfikar, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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