Education. Indonesian universities must accelerate educational transformation by prioritizing innovation, science, and technology, while adopting artificial intelligence in a responsible manner that strengthens students’ critical thinking skills.
A Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology official emphasized that universities should function as engines of national re-industrialization. When campuses align research and learning with industrial needs, they play a key role in reviving domestic industries, boosting competitiveness, and supporting Indonesia’s long-term economic growth.
AI as a Catalyst for Campus Transformation
AI adoption is rising quickly across universities, particularly in research, knowledge management, and learning methods. However, institutions are urged to build caution into the process. AI should enhance productivity and innovation — not replace the thinking process that students must develop.
Campuses are encouraged to introduce AI literacy courses, adopt academic integrity policies, and use AI as a tool for exploration, analysis, and simulation. The goal is to integrate AI thoughtfully without diminishing analytical depth.
Rethinking Assessments to Build Critical Thinking
Education reform requires more than technology upgrades. The official emphasized that assessment approaches must move beyond recall-based testing. Universities are encouraged to design evaluations that demand inquiry, interpretation, hypothesis building, and creativity — mirroring practices in leading global universities.
Examples include project-based assessments connected to industry needs, open-resource examinations focusing on reasoning, and long-term research portfolios that reflect student growth over time.
Universities as Drivers of Industrial Renewal
When research is linked to real-world application, innovation moves from theory into industry. Universities are encouraged to strengthen external collaboration so research outputs translate into products, patents, and industry partnerships.
Stronger collaboration means more job-ready graduates, more applied research funding, and a stronger national innovation ecosystem.
Capacity Building and Shared Learning
Education transformation also depends on organizational capabilities. Universities are advised to create development programs that equip lecturers with skills in pedagogy, research methodology, and AI-supported learning tools.
Collaboration across campuses should become routine. Institutions are encouraged to publish case studies, success stories, and implementation roadmaps for AI and assessment transformation so others can adopt and scale them.
Action Directions for University Leaders
• Integrate AI responsibly into core learning pathways
• Build assessment systems that push critical and creative thinking
• Strengthen applied research for industry-relevant innovation
• Invest in faculty upskilling for new technology adoption
• Share implementation best practices across institutions
By aligning curriculum, research agendas, and assessment frameworks with national industrial priorities, universities can accelerate Indonesia’s progress into a science-driven, innovation-powered future.
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