Indonesian Ministry official urges universities to prioritize social impact over global rankings

Badri Munir Sukoco, Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, stated that university rankings should serve as a platform for social, economic, and environmental development rather than mere administrative trophies. Speaking at the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2026 in Bali, Sukoco emphasized that global prestige must be translated into tangible benefits for society.

He noted that while indicators such as research productivity and citation counts are important for global competitiveness, they should act as engines for societal progress. Sukoco argued that higher education must move toward a purpose-oriented paradigm, where innovation and research address real-world needs, such as helping local farmers combat climate change or providing clean energy technology to remote villages. He also stressed the importance of balancing technical competence with critical thinking, ethical responsibility, and empathy.