Indonesia Establishes University Focused on STEM Education

The newly established Universitas Republik Indonesia (URI) will prioritize education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, according to Aris Marsudiyanto, head of the Special Development and Investigation Control Agency (Bappisus). President Prabowo Subianto announced the formation of this educational institution, emphasizing its role in preparing Indonesia's future leaders.

"One of the focuses will be on STEM, but other study programs will also be numerous, such as health and medicine," Aris stated at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta. He explained that President Prabowo is deeply concerned with cultivating superior human resources to achieve "Indonesia Emas 2045" (Golden Indonesia 2045). Aris believes that despite Indonesia's abundant natural wealth, the nation lags in technological mastery, making the strengthening of STEM education crucial.

"It is impossible for us to have such abundant natural resources, but low human resources. Well, the proof is, we have all kinds of natural resources, but until now we are technologically lagging behind," Aris remarked, underscoring the government's push for STEM education to enable the nation to master its own technology.

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One of the focuses will be on STEM, but other study programs will also be numerous, such as health and medicine.

While STEM is a primary focus, Aris assured that URI would not exclusively concentrate on these areas. The government also intends to bolster the health sector, including medical education, citing a significant shortage in this field. The funding for URI is expected to be coordinated with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, although the specific financing scheme is still under review.

President Prabowo recently appointed Vice Minister of Defense Donny Ermawan Taufanto as the Governor of Universitas RI. Taufanto stated that URI is a new institution specifically designed to educate future government officials and state-owned enterprise (BUMN) leaders. The university plans to establish ten campuses, and its graduates will receive standard academic degrees, including doctors, bachelors, and engineers.

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It is impossible for us to have such abundant natural resources, but low human resources. Well, the proof is, we have all kinds of natural resources, but until now we are technologically lagging behind.