Indonesia's Vice Minister Urges Students to Build AI-Ready Skills

RRI.CO.Id, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Stella Christie, has urged new university students to develop broad knowledge and strong thinking skills to prepare for rapid technological advances, including artificial intelligence (AI). She delivered the message while speaking at the New Student Campus Life Orientation Program at Esa Unggul University on September 1, 2026.

Stella encouraged students to use their university years to gain diverse experiences, deepen their knowledge, and develop skills that remain relevant as technology continues to evolve. She said exploring different fields would help students build capabilities that cannot easily be replaced by AI.

“One thing you should understand so that you will not be replaced by AI is to have knowledge that AI cannot defeat,” Stella said. She encouraged students to explore their full potential and acquire as much knowledge as possible during their university years.

Drawing from her own experience of working while studying, Stella also highlighted the importance of time management and setting priorities. She said combining work and university could provide valuable experience in managing different responsibilities and developing practical skills.

“The knowledge you gain in university is what will enable you to grow even further,” Stella said. She emphasized that higher education should serve not only as a pathway to a degree, but also as a foundation for continuous personal and professional development.

During the session, Stella summarized her message to new students through five principles: making the most of university life, exploring and utilizing opportunities, building universal knowledge, learning from challenges, and remembering one’s roots. “Live maximally, explore and exploit, get a universal knowledge, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and never forget where you come from,” she said.

The orientation program provided students with perspectives on the importance of broad knowledge, diverse experiences, and skills that can adapt to technological change. These capabilities are expected to help students navigate the future of work while making meaningful contributions to their communities and society.

Stella’s message reflects Indonesia’s broader effort to prepare higher education students for an increasingly technology-driven world. By combining knowledge, critical thinking, adaptability, and continuous learning, Indonesian students are expected to become more resilient in responding to the opportunities and challenges created by AI.