Padang, April 14, 2025 — The Europe Today: Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology has announced its forthcoming strategic plan, focusing on three transformative areas aimed at advancing the country’s higher education sector.
Khairul Munadi, Director General of Higher Education, revealed the plan on Sunday, stating that it will center on institutional autonomy, research and innovation for public impact, and science and technology for sustainable socio-economic transformation.
“In the near future, the ministry will formulate a new strategic plan,” Munadi said, adding that the goal is to prepare higher education institutions to respond effectively to the country’s evolving challenges and opportunities.
On the issue of institutional autonomy, Munadi emphasized the importance of robust governance structures within universities. “Autonomy is not simply about freedom—it entails a responsibility to develop accountable, adaptive, and innovative institutions,” he explained. Greater autonomy, he added, would allow universities more flexibility in managing academic programs, optimizing resources, and diversifying funding.
In the area of research, the ministry is pushing for a paradigm shift toward problem-solving and societal relevance. “While academic publications are still valuable, research must translate into tangible solutions that benefit communities,” said Munadi.
He further stressed the critical role of science and technology in addressing interconnected challenges such as the climate crisis, digital disruption, and social inequality. “We must adopt an integrative approach to foster socio-ecological transformation, where humans, nature, and the economy are in harmony,” he said.
Munadi also affirmed the continuation of the Smart Indonesia Card for Higher Education (KIP-Kuliah) program in 2025. The program is designed to ensure equitable access to higher education and will continue to prioritize students from underprivileged backgrounds.
The strategic transformation initiative reflects the ministry’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive higher education system.
