Minister Urges Students to Build Skills for Indonesia’s Future

RRI.CO.ID, Bandung - Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, has encouraged university students to strengthen their academic knowledge and develop competencies that can contribute to the country’s progress. He delivered the message while attending the 2026/2027 New Student Campus Life Orientation Program (PKKMB) at Universitas Pasundan in Bandung on September 15, 2026.

He said university students would become part of Indonesia’s journey toward the 2045 Golden Indonesia vision. He therefore urged them to make the most of higher education by developing skills that remain relevant to technological and societal changes, including the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI).

The minister stressed that the use of AI should not weaken students’ scientific abilities or their commitment to learning. Instead, technology should serve as an additional tool to strengthen their capabilities rather than replace the process of acquiring knowledge.

“We also want technological developments such as AI and others not to reduce students’ capacity, scientific abilities, or ability to acquire knowledge. Instead, they should be used as additional tools,” Brian said.

The Minister also called on lecturers and university management at Universitas Pasundan to equip students with AI literacy so they can use the technology appropriately in their learning. He encouraged students to actively ask questions, gain experience through activities beyond the classroom, manage their time, and develop habits of continuously updating their knowledge.

According to him, the ability to keep learning is increasingly important as scientific knowledge and the demands of the workforce continue to evolve. Higher education, he said, should not only provide students with knowledge but also prepare them to respond to change and develop their individual potential.

Brian further encouraged students to become graduates who can create broader social and economic impact by turning their competencies into opportunities. “Be graduates who do not only seek jobs. Once you have a job, try to create jobs as well, and do not stop at using technology try to develop technology yourselves,” he said.

At Universitas Pasundan, Brian also emphasized the importance of balancing academic knowledge with values and cultural foundations, referring to the university’s philosophy, “Pengkuh agamana, luhung elmuna, jembar budayana,” as well as the values of mutual learning, caring, and guidance. He described tradition as a foundation for personal development, saying, “Tradition is the root. A tall tree always has deep roots,” while also urging that the campus orientation process remain free from bullying so new students can begin their university journey in a safe and positive environment.