Indonesia Ministry of Higher Education proposes Rp16.5 trillion budget increase

Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology has proposed an additional budget of approximately Rp16.5 trillion for the 2027 fiscal year. Minister Brian Yulianto stated during a meeting with Commission X of the DPR RI that the currently approved budget of Rp66.44 trillion is insufficient to cover technical operational needs, ongoing scholarships, and the Tridharma Perguruan Tinggi program.

The proposed funds are intended to cover gaps in employee spending, office operations, and services for the Higher Education Service Institutions (LLDikti). The additional allocation would be distributed across five echelon I units, including the Directorate General of Higher Education and the Directorate General of Science and Technology.

In a separate strategic move, the Ministry is also pushing for a shift in how university research is conducted. Director General of Research and Development Fauzan Adziman emphasized that research proposals must now move beyond academic theory and focus on solving real-world problems. This mandate aims to align university research with the needs of industry, government, and society, addressing issues such as urban water access, pollution, and flood management.