Deputy Minister Urges Indonesian Students to Pursue Global Ambitions

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Stella Christie, has called on Indonesian students to aim higher in global academic competition, urging them to pursue places at the world’s elite universities through strategic preparation rather than relying solely on intelligence.

During a visit to the State-run Islamic High School MAN Insan Cendekia Gorontalo on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Stella highlighted Indonesia’s limited representation in international higher education compared to neighboring countries. She cited data showing that only about 8,000 Indonesian students are currently studying in the United States, far behind Vietnam with 60,000 students and China with 300,000.

Stella stressed that gaining admission to top universities requires early planning and mastery of international admission calendars. She emphasized that academic excellence alone is insufficient without a clear strategy and consistent preparation.

She underscored the crucial role of college counselors in guiding students through the process. “College Counselors are the backbone of school transformation. Although students are required to seek information independently, their success in gaining admission to their dream campuses largely depends on the strategies and motivation provided by counselors. I hope counselors will be more active in providing intensive assistance,” she said.

Concluding her visit, Stella reminded students that the government’s higher education reforms are designed as an investment in the nation’s youth. She encouraged them to take responsibility for their own future. “You are the ones who will build this nation. Fight for the best, because in the end, this result is for your own future,” she said. ***