Higher education ministry pushes universities to help drive cultural advancement

Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister (Mendiktisaintek) Brian Yuliarto has called on universities to play a more active role in efforts to advance culture in Indonesia.

The message came up during a meeting between Brian and Culture Minister (Menbud) Fadli Zon at the Kemdiktisaintek office in Jakarta on Friday (Feb. 6).

“History and culture matter, and universities have a strategic role to help strengthen these fields,” Brian said in a statement released in Jakarta on Sunday.

Brian stressed that higher education institutions can consistently take part in developing knowledge and culture.

He encouraged universities to become centers of learning that are grounded in cultural values while staying relevant to the challenges of the times.

“Strengthening historical and cultural studies on campus is an important part of improving the quality of our national higher education,” Brian said.

Responding to the remarks, Fadli said there was a strong historical link between universities and culture.

He underscored the importance of higher education institutions’ involvement in preserving and developing national values, as well as solidifying the ecosystem for cultural advancement nationwide.

“Universities have a strong connection to culture, and this is something we need to continue strengthening together,” Fadli said.

He added that stronger synergy between ministries and universities was necessary to ensure higher education makes a tangible contribution to reinforcing the nation’s identity and civilization.

The meeting between Kemdiktisaintek and the Culture Ministry was part of a shared commitment to keep strengthening universities’ role in cultural advancement through education, research and community service.

Indonesianpost.com | Antara