Kemdiktisaintek urges universities to ensure student job readiness

Indonesia's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) is urging universities to undergo educational transformations by strengthening the 'tridarma' (three pillars of higher education), increasing industrial collaboration, and fostering a culture of innovation.

Deputy Minister Fauzan stated that higher education institutions must move beyond administrative focus to meet real societal needs. He emphasized that universities have a responsibility to ensure students graduate on time, achieve independence, and are prepared for the workforce. "Perguruan tinggi harus mampu memberikan kepastian dan harapan kepada mahasiswa," Fauzan noted, suggesting that success should be measured by graduate competence rather than just classroom instruction.

Furthermore, the ministry encourages academic innovations to accelerate study periods and calls for greater recognition of both academic and non-academic student achievements. Fauzan cautioned institutions against becoming trapped by rigid procedures that hinder creativity, stating, "Kalau ingin berinovasi, jangan hanya melihat aturan" (If you want to innovate, do not just look at the rules).