In a statement on Sunday, he emphasized that the government cannot carry out national development alone. He noted that synergy between universities, communities, industry and local governments is the vital foundation for driving innovation and strengthening talent.
"Indonesia is currently in a crucial phase toward becoming a developed nation. To reach high-income status, Indonesia needs to maintain more aggressive economic growth momentum, including targeting up to 8 percent growth through strengthening research, innovation and knowledge-based entrepreneurship," he said.
Yuliarto assessed that this target aligns with the national development directed by President Prabowo Subianto to achieve the 2045 Golden Indonesia vision.
In this context, universities are expected to serve not just as centers for education and research but also as engines for innovative solutions that directly impact the public and the national economy.
"There are many definitions for a developed nation, but the measurable one is per capita income, which must reach US$15,500 or higher. Indonesia is currently at around US$5,500," he said.
According to him, Indonesia needs a major leap in productivity and economic innovation.
Therefore, the minister underscored that higher education institutions must act as innovation hubs that produce real solutions for economic development.
Through basic and applied research, universities are expected to create technology, new business models and industrial innovations that can boost Indonesia's economic competitiveness.
In this regard, he added, the role of the academic community is vital to ensuring that the growth of the creative economy aligns with science and technological advancements.
Yuliarto emphasized that his ministry is ready to promote collaboration between universities and local creative economy communities to develop innovation-based local economic potential.
"The prerequisite for accelerating economic growth is creativity and innovation, powered by science and technology," he said.
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Translator: Sean Filo, Raka Adji
Editor: Arie Novarina
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