President to Inaugurate Leadership of New Universitas Republik Indonesia; Deputy Defense Minister Tapped as Rector

President Joko Widodo is scheduled to inaugurate the leadership of the newly established Universitas Republik Indonesia (URI) at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday afternoon. This appointment is a key step in bolstering the nation's educational infrastructure.

URI is a new institution founded during the current administration's term. Sources indicate that Air Marshal (Ret.) Donny Ermawan Taufanto, who currently serves as the Deputy Minister of Defense, is expected to assume the role of URI's first rector. The inauguration ceremony is planned for approximately 3:00 PM Western Indonesian Time (WIB).

Menteri Sekretaris Negara (Minister of State Secretary) and Presidential Spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi confirmed the upcoming inauguration, noting it would coincide with the appointment of the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, who is also the current Deputy Minister of Agriculture. Hadi stated that the formation of URI's leadership is integral to the government's broader strategy of strengthening educational institutions to cultivate future national leaders, aligning with President Prabowo's emphasis on preparing cadres for future governance.

"This is part of what has been conveyed by the President on various occasions," Hadi said. "We want to strengthen institutions, especially educational ones, to prepare future national leaders."