Jakarta, March 8, 2026 – The Europe Today: Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto has called for stronger involvement of universities in accelerating Indonesia’s national economic development, highlighting their strategic role in fostering innovation and creativity-driven growth.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Yuliarto emphasized that the government cannot carry out national development alone and that collaboration between universities, communities, industry and local governments is essential to strengthening innovation ecosystems and nurturing skilled talent.
“Indonesia is currently in a crucial phase toward becoming a developed nation. To reach high-income status, Indonesia must maintain more aggressive economic growth momentum, including targeting up to eight percent growth through strengthening research, innovation and knowledge-based entrepreneurship,” he said.
The minister noted that the growth target aligns with the national development direction set by President Prabowo Subianto to realize the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, which aims to transform the country into a prosperous and advanced nation.
Yuliarto stressed that universities should not only serve as centers for education and academic research but also act as engines of innovation capable of delivering practical solutions that benefit society and strengthen the national economy.
“There are many definitions of a developed nation, but a measurable indicator is per capita income, which should reach at least US$15,500. Indonesia’s current per capita income is around US$5,500,” he said, underscoring the need for a significant leap in productivity and economic innovation.
According to him, higher education institutions must function as innovation hubs that generate real solutions for economic development. Through both basic and applied research, universities are expected to produce new technologies, business models and industrial innovations that enhance Indonesia’s global competitiveness.
He added that the academic community plays a crucial role in ensuring that the growth of the creative economy remains aligned with scientific and technological progress.
Yuliarto affirmed that the ministry is ready to strengthen collaboration between universities and local creative economy communities to unlock innovation-based economic potential across the country.
“The prerequisite for accelerating economic growth is creativity and innovation, powered by science and technology,” he said.
