RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is strengthening collaboration between the central and regional governments to align higher education with industrial development, particularly in resource-rich provinces undergoing rapid economic transformation. The initiative is expected to produce skilled talent capable of supporting downstream industries while improving access to quality higher education.

The commitment was highlighted during a meeting between Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto and North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda at the ministry's office in Jakarta on Wednesday, 8 July 2026,. The discussion focused on expanding higher education opportunities, strengthening university programs, and developing human resources to meet the province's long-term development needs.

Brian said universities must play a strategic role in preparing graduates whose skills match regional priorities and emerging industries. “If North Maluku requires expertise in strategic fields, we will strengthen those disciplines at universities so graduates can directly contribute to the province's development,” he said.

The minister added that the Ministry is ready to support universities in North Maluku through partnerships with leading institutions across Indonesia. The collaboration will include faculty exchanges, joint academic programs, mentoring, and the development of study programs tailored to local economic priorities.

Governor Sherly welcomed the initiative, noting that North Maluku's expanding industrial sector requires increasingly specialized human resources. She said the province needs graduates with expertise in metallurgy, supply chain management, information technology, and other fields that support industrial downstream development.

The two sides also discussed strengthening medical education to address the shortage of general practitioners and specialists in North Maluku. Potential cooperation includes academic mentoring and institutional capacity building with universities that have well-established medical schools.

In addition, the provincial government shared evaluations of its regional scholarship program as part of efforts to improve the quality of local human resources. Both parties agreed that expanding educational access and improving academic quality are essential to ensuring equitable regional development.

Through its Impactful Higher Education, Science, and Technology initiative, the ministry said it will continue working closely with regional governments to build a higher education system that responds to local development priorities. The partnership is expected to produce competitive talent, strengthen public services, and support sustainable economic growth across Indonesia's regions.