Universitas Dian Nuswantoro (Udinus) collaborated with the Higher Education Service Institute (LLDIKTI) of Region VI Central Java to welcome an audience from the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, namely, Prof. Brian Yuliarto, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D. The visitation was attended by representatives from various universities in Central Java, and it took place in the Theater Room on the sixth floor of the I building at Udinus on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
It is important to note that the minister has recently been appointed by the Indonesian President. Just before his second day of claiming this position, the minister, who was also a professor from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), spared his time to visit Semarang and Udinus to give an audience to all representatives from universities in Central Java, including Universitas Diponegoro (Undip), Universitas Negeri Semarang (Unnes), Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Polytechnics, and other universities.
The Rector of Udinus, Prof. Dr. Pulung Nurtantio Andono, S.T., M.Kom., stated that on this occasion, Udinus was trusted to welcome the presence of the minister. It was an honor for Udinus to facilitate the visitation to all rectors and leaders of all public and private universities in Central Java.
“Currently, the world is moving at such a rapid pace, particularly in terms of technological advancements. Udinus and other universities currently serve as the frontline of giving proper education to the next generation. Therefore, they can eventually be prepared to lead the future,” the rector uttered during his opening speech.
Prof. Pulung continued that this meeting aimed to get universities to comply with the direction given by the government. Not only does it serve as a motivation, but also as an important moment in improving the education sector in Central Java, Indonesia.
“Through this momentum, we hoped for the rectors or leaders of all universities in Central Java to have a proper dialogue about education, allowing a potential collaboration to form, visions to be established, and ensure that the established knowledge is not only relevant but also meaningful for the nation,” he uttered.
Establishing Harmony Among Universities
The meeting was moderated by the Vice Rector IV at Udinus, Prof. Dr. Supriadi Rustad, M.Si. During the meeting, the attendees were allowed to directly interact with the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. The interactions comprised of stating opinions, asking questions, and giving feedback.
“Central Java is a perfect choice as its atmosphere is relatively calm and safe. This discussion session is expected to help us respond to the problems surrounding the education sector in Indonesia,” he uttered.
During the discussion session, Prof. Brian, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, emphasized that harmony and good relationship between the government and universities must be further enhanced. The discussion ran well, with many interactions and questions being asked of the minister. The discussion was also accompanied by the Head of Aptisi of Central Java, Prof. Dr. Ir. Edi Noersasongko, M.Kom.
The Importance of Improving HR
During his speech, Prof. Biran expressed his joy to Udinus for warmly welcoming him. He emphasized that for the economic wheel to properly run, the industry needs to apply renewable technology.
“The most important point to realize this goal is by improving the Human Resources (HR). For that reason, both public and private universities are indeed front liners to lead its graduates to be human resources with quality,” he uttered.
Meanwhile, the minister also encouraged all the attendees to aspire for the higher, allowing Indonesia to ascend as one of the first-world countries. Here the science and technology fields hold the role of motivating folks to innovate and develop the HR to achieve prosperity for the nation.
“I hope Indonesia will be known someday by other countries. I hereby will listen to what our universities have to say, and we must also open ourselves with each other, as the ministry is committed to realizing our aspirations,” Prof. Brian uttered.
Universities Contributions
Meanwhile, accompanying the minister, Prof. Dr. Khairul Munadi, S.T., M.Eng., the General Directorate of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, was also present. According to the direction given by the minister, universities must improve their education implementation.
“Educational support like scholarships will not be out of reach with efficiency. Hopefully, universities can be more contributing in developing the industry,” he revealed.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bhimo Widyo Andoko, the Head of the HR and Organizational Bureau in the Secretariat Division of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology, who was also the Head of the Higher Education Service Institute of Region VI Central Java, expressed his appreciation to Udinus for being prepared to collaborate. He hoped that the suggestion from the minister could be soon implemented.
“We, from the Higher Education Service Institute, will always fully support the audience conducted by the minister with all universities in Central Java. Support from the government is important to bridge the plans from universities in facilitating their graduates,” Bhimo emphasized. (Humas Udinus/Haris. Foto: Humas Udinus)
