New Yarsi University Rector Pushes for Research Commercialization and Industry Ties

The newly appointed Rector of Yarsi University, Ratna Sitompul, is championing a strategy focused on strengthening research commercialization and fostering collaboration with industry. Sitompul, who began her five-year term on August 1, 2026, believes this approach is crucial for enhancing the university's competitiveness and ensuring research outputs provide broader benefits to society and the economy.

During her inauguration, Sitompul emphasized that Yarsi University cannot solely rely on its student body for sustainability. Instead, she highlighted the importance of developing its human resources, viewing them as the university's core capital. This focus on internal capacity building is seen as vital for long-term institutional strength.

Sitompul stated that research must generate wider impacts through partnerships with various industrial sectors. Such collaborations are expected not only to elevate research quality but also to unlock innovation opportunities that offer economic value. Furthermore, these partnerships are intended to bolster Yarsi University's internationalization efforts and amplify the contribution of its research findings to the public.

Outgoing Rector Fasli Jalal remarked that leadership transitions are a natural part of organizational dynamics. He stressed that maintaining continuity in pursuing the university's objectives is paramount. Jalal noted that Yarsi University possesses a strong institutional foundation to support its continued development under the new leadership, emphasizing the ongoing importance of strategic program expansion, human resource enhancement, international academic publications, and high-quality research.