Jakarta, JurnalPost.com — Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto met with the Board of Trustees (MWA) and Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Ova Emilia on Friday (September 18, 2026) to discuss campus performance, governance, and the strengthening of research and graduate competitiveness.
During the meeting, UGM presented several development agendas, ranging from institutional transformation and campus digitalization to improving graduate quality and the commercialization of research findings.
Brian stated that higher education institutions face high expectations to produce human resources capable of contributing to national development.
"Public expectations for higher education are immense, as they are seen as catalysts for producing talent that will become the engine of the nation's progress. We certainly hope this role can be sustained and enhanced," said Brian.
According to him, improving university performance is not solely the responsibility of the rectorate. The Board of Trustees, the academic senate, the board of professors, and the entire academic community also play a role in determining the institution's development trajectory.
Pushing Research into Industry
In the meeting, Brian also highlighted the importance of a university's ability to convert research and knowledge into products or innovations that hold economic value and provide benefits to society.
Strengthening industry partnerships, managing intellectual property, and the commercialization of research results were identified as key areas for improvement.
These steps are considered vital to ensure that campus research does not stop at academic publication but can be applied to economic activities and the resolution of societal issues.
UGM Prepares 'Intelligent University' Concept
UGM Rector Ova Emilia stated that her university is currently undergoing institutional transformation using a function-based approach tailored to societal needs.
Digitalization is also being strengthened as part of the development of an intelligent universityframework.
This transformation includes curriculum adjustments, improving foreign language proficiency, expanding international student experience, student mobility, inclusive education, and affirmative admission for students from disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions.
One of UGM's focuses is improving students' foreign language skills as a preparation for the job market.
"In the field of education, the primary program is improving the quality of graduates to ensure they have global competitiveness. For example, the language literacy program mandates English and one additional language, which can be an asset when graduates seek employment," said Ova.
According to UGM, this approach is expected to provide more flexible learning spaces while aligning education with the changing needs of the workforce.
Focus on Postgraduate Studies and Laboratories
UGM is also preparing several follow-up agendas, including improving the quality and proportion of postgraduate education.
Study programs will be reorganized to make the educational structure more efficient and flexible. The university also plans to upgrade laboratory equipment and strengthen cross-sector collaboration to accelerate the utilization of research results.
The meeting between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology and UGM also discussed how campus governance can more effectively support education, research, and collaboration with various stakeholders.
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