In his remarks which were also combined with the presentation of material entitled “Development of Human Resources and Infrastructure in Realizing PTNBH as a WCU”, the Minister of Research and Technology appreciated the number of delegates who attended. Considering that in the implementation of previous sessions, it had never reached a large enough number.
“I see a change and an increase in the number of participants in activities like this. And it should be seen as a new step to start improvements within PTNBH,” said the Minister of Research and Technology.
He said that there should indeed be changes in PTNBH, especially in terms of improving the quality of human resources. This is also related to the considerable authority given to PTNBH, especially in budgeting and financial management, because it is considered the most mature and ready institution.
“The Academic Senate must be able to change the paradigm of thinking in facing the Industrial Revolution 4.0. Universities must also have good flexibility, high performance and be fast,” he said.
Prof. H. Mohamad Nasir emphasized that the government is paying considerable attention to the field of research and innovation development in universities, especially PTNBH. The research budget, which was previously only 0.08 percent, has now increased to 0.25 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). For this reason, the Minister of Research and Technology hopes that research in Indonesia can be applied immediately so that it can be beneficial for the wider community.
The Minister of Research and Technology will also encourage 11 PTNBH to enter the world-class university rankings. He stated that he had conveyed this to the President and it had been approved.
“We are currently making a scheme, one of which is to boost PTNBH that be in the top 500 to enter the top 200 in the world,” said Prof. H. Mohamad Nasir optimistically.
Next, the Minister of Research and Technology also emphasized that all ministerial regulations have been prepared to welcome the Industrial Revolution 4.0. The distance learning system has been initiated. So all universities need to take rapid steps for change.
“If we don’t make changes, we will be left behind. Even universities will die by themselves. The overhaul of the nomenclature of study programs must also be carried out on a large scale and adjusted to the real conditions that exist today,” he said.
In addition, the Minister of Research and Technology also emphasized that linearity in the disruptive era is no longer carried out. Cross-sectoral is currently no longer a problem and has been well integrated.
“In the disruptive era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, every field of science is interconnected. It can no longer stand alone. Students must be prepared to respond to these changing conditions so that they can adapt well,” he said.
Meanwhile, previously the Chairperson of the Academic Senate Council of PTN BH, Prof. Ir. Priyo Suprobo, M.S., Ph.D, stated that the most important thing that must be considered in the development of PTNBH is the issue of human resources. Especially related to the readiness to adapt to the speed needed in the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0
USU Chancellor Prof. Dr. Runtung Sitepu, SH, M Hum, in his remarks at the beginning of the event, said that the appointment of USU as the host was an honor that was welcomed with joy. The Chancellor hopes that this meeting can produce new, sharper, and more strategic ideas for improving various things in the existing systems in all PTNBH. This must also be adjusted to the various changes that occur in society and in line with the demands of the times that have been mastered by technology.
Also accompanying the Minister of Research and Technology, Secretary General of the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education Prof. Ainun Naim, Ph. D., MBA, and other officials of the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education, as well. Meanwhile, from USU, there were USU Chancellor Prof. Dr. Runtung Sitepu, SH, M. Hum, Vice Chancellors, Chairperson and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, expert staff, and other leaders of institutions at USU.
The other two speakers were Prof. Yanuarsyah (Central PAK Team of the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education) who will present the material, “Implementation of PAK at the Central Level” and Prof. Juanda Nawawi (UNHAS), with the material “Strategy for Accelerating the Appointment of Professors”.
