Academics Urge Curriculum Reform and Job Creation Over Closing Study Programs

Indonesian academics are urging the government to prioritize curriculum reform and job creation over closing university study programs. The debate arose from concerns about educated unemployment due to a mismatch between graduates' skills and industry needs.

Anang Martoyo, head of Cyber University's Career Center, believes that closing programs is not the primary solution. He emphasizes that graduate quality can be improved through curriculum updates and regular teaching enhancements. "The main problem is not the program itself, but the relevance of graduate competencies. This can be fixed through curriculum renewal and periodic improvements in teaching quality," Anang stated.

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The main problem is not the program itself, but the relevance of graduate competencies. This can be fixed through curriculum renewal and periodic improvements in teaching quality.

Martoyo also warned that closing programs could lead to new social and economic problems, potentially disrupting the lives of lecturers, educational staff, and current students. He stressed the importance of the government actively creating diverse new job opportunities and fostering close collaboration between higher education institutions, the government, and industry to ensure graduates can adapt to the rapidly changing job market.

"Ultimately, improving human resource quality cannot be achieved instantly by limiting educational access. Comprehensive, long-term policies are far more constructive for addressing future national challenges," he said. Cyber University's "Company Learning Program (CLP) 3+1," where students study for three years and intern for one, helps graduates directly enter the workforce, with many securing jobs before graduation.

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Ultimately, improving human resource quality cannot be achieved instantly by limiting educational access. Comprehensive, long-term policies are far more constructive for addressing future national challenges.