JAKARTA – The government has demonstrated its commitment to following up on the various aspirations expressed by academics at the National Seminar by strengthening policies in higher education, research, and human resource development. President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that all recommendations submitted by academics will not remain for discussion but will become part of the process of improving government policy. “I want to ensure that every proposal submitted receives attention and we will review each one as part of improving government policy,” Prabowo said.
Prabowo believes universities play a strategic role in generating science-based ideas and innovations. Therefore, the government will continue to foster dialogue with academics to ensure that every policy formulated has a strong scientific foundation. In addition to strengthening research, the government is also focusing on the downstreaming of research findings so that they do not remain merely scientific works but develop into technologies, products, and innovations that add value to national development. Prabowo Subianto emphasized, “I consider many ideas relevant and realistic to develop. The government will strive to follow up on these proposals according to national capabilities and needs.”
This commitment aligns with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology’s initiative to reopen the Doctoral Scholarship Program for Indonesian Lecturers (BPDDI) in 2026. This program is designed to increase the number of lecturers with doctoral degrees while strengthening national research, science, and innovation capacity. Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto emphasized that improving lecturer quality is a crucial investment for the advancement of Indonesian higher education. Brian Yuliarto said, “Lecturers are the greatest asset of higher education, and we certainly hope that lecturers will not have to wait long to start studying immediately.”
The BPDDI 2026 program offers both domestic doctoral study options and joint or dual degree programs through collaborations with international universities. In addition to covering tuition fees, the program also provides research support, international publication assistance, living expenses, transportation, health insurance, and facilities for lecturers with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Sandro Mihradi, Acting Head of the Center for Financing and Assessment of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education and Culture, assessed BPDDI as a strategic instrument for improving the quality of human resources in higher education. He stated, “We hope this will have an impact on increasing research, technology, and science capacity, as well as encouraging innovation and downstreaming.”