Indonesia to Close Irrelevant Study Programs to Boost Economic Relevance

In a bold move to align higher education with the nation's economic trajectory, Indonesia's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendikti) is set to close study programs deemed irrelevant to future growth industries. Secretary General Badri Munir Sukoco announced this plan, emphasizing the need for universities to voluntarily reassess and potentially eliminate programs that no longer serve the evolving demands of the workforce.

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Later, there might be some that we need to close in the not-so-distant future related to programs that need to be selected, sorted, and, if necessary, closed to improve relevance

This strategic recalibration is designed to tackle the persistent issue of graduate unemployment, which stems from a mismatch between the skills acquired in universities and the competencies required by the job market. With Indonesia producing nearly 1.9 million bachelor's degrees annually, many graduates struggle to find employment due to a disconnect between their education and industry needs. The ministry's plan involves phasing out programs with an oversupply of graduates, such as social sciences and education, while prioritizing those that integrate with key sectors like energy, agriculture, health, defense, maritime, downstream processing, digitalization, and advanced manufacturing.

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Actually, what's needed in the future are which study programs, which we will try to outline together later

Sukoco pointed to the oversupply in fields like teaching, where annual graduates far exceed the demand for new teachers, as a prime example of the problem. He also noted a potential future oversupply of doctors, highlighting the need for proactive planning. The ministry aims to leverage Indonesia's demographic bonus by ensuring higher education is not just accessible but also highly relevant to the nation's development goals. Universities, particularly those in the Consortium of Universities for Population Concern (Konsorsium PTKP), are urged to collaborate with the government in identifying and developing programs that align with the country's eight strategic industrial priorities.

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As a result, there's oversupply. I can also check, for example, in 2028, we actually have an oversupply of doctors. If this is allowed to continue, especially with uneven distribution, an imbalance of distribution in each region

This initiative reflects a forward-thinking approach by the Indonesian government, recognizing that a skilled and adaptable workforce is crucial for sustained economic growth. By focusing resources on relevant fields and ensuring graduates are equipped with in-demand skills, Indonesia aims to strengthen its position in the global economy and maximize the benefits of its young and growing population. The emphasis on strategic industries signals a clear direction for the nation's development, ensuring that educational output directly contributes to national progress.

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The adapted study programs, the need to develop new programs in line with the eight strategic industries, of course, there needs to be willingness from each rector to conduct studies to ensure the programs are relevant