Bandung, UPI
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) has reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to national development through higher education, research, and the strengthening of human resources. This commitment aligns with the message delivered by Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, during the 2026 Presidential Briefing (Taklimat Presiden RI 2026) held at the Presidential Palace Jakarta.
UPI was among the universities invited to attend the briefing, together with university leaders and professors from across the country. The national level event took place in the Central Hall (Ruang Tengah) of the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, January 15, from 09:00 to approximately 12:30 WIB.
The forum gathered more than 1,200 university leaders and professors from various higher education institutions throughout Indonesia. It served as an important platform for outlining national policy directions under the theme “Humans, Higher Education, and Science for Indonesia’s Revival.” In his remarks, President Prabowo emphasized the importance of national independence in the face of increasingly dynamic and uncertain global geopolitical conditions.
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) was represented by a university leadership delegation led by Prof. Dr. Didi Sukyadi, Rector of UPI, accompanied by the deans of FPIPS, FPSD, and FPBS, Prof. Dr. Dadang Sudana, two Rector’s Special Staff, and Prof. Dr. Dasim Budimansyah, M.Si., Professor of Civic Sociology at UPI.
The presence of the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) delegation reflects the university’s position as a higher education institution ready to contribute to national dialogue, while also serving as a strategic partner of the state in preparing excellent and integrity driven human resources.
According to Brian Yuliarto, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, the President highlighted the rapid shifts in global geopolitics that require every country to strengthen its independence and resilience. In this context, universities are expected to become locomotives for the advancement of science and technology, while also serving as centers for developing excellent human resources capable of addressing global challenges.
The President also emphasized the importance of integrity, nationalism, and commitment to the public interest in higher education. This vision resonates with UPI’s mission as a university that not only advances academic excellence but also strives to nurture citizens who are knowledgeable, ethical, and socially responsible.
The Ministry views the 2026 Presidential Briefing as an important moment to align national policy with the agenda of higher education transformation and research ecosystem strengthening. The President stressed that Indonesia’s revival should not rely solely on economic growth but must also be supported by high quality human resources, mastery of knowledge, and the ability to transform research into real benefits for society and industry.
As part of this commitment, the government also announced stronger support for university research by increasing the national research and innovation budget to 4 trillion rupiah. This policy signals a major mandate for universities and professors to contribute actively to national progress.
Prof. Dr. Dasim Budimansyah, M.Si., viewed the Presidential Briefing as a clear reminder that the academic community cannot remain distant from national issues. Universities, including UPI, are expected to participate in public policy spaces through research, critical analysis, and community service. He added that strong synergy between the government and higher education institutions is essential to ensure development that truly prioritizes public welfare and social justice.
Through its participation in the 2026 Presidential Briefing, UPI reaffirmed its commitment to:
- Producing high quality human resources who uphold strong character and integrity,
- Developing relevant research and innovation that address national needs, and
- Strengthening national values and civic awareness through education.
The forum also served as a reminder that universities hold a strategic role as guardians of national development and as critical partners of the state in building an Indonesia that is independent, sovereign, and just.
Writer/Source: Prof. Dasim Budimansyah
Reference: Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of the Presidential Secretariat (BPMI Setpres), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of Indonesia
In addition, this engagement contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education by strengthening higher-education institutions as centers of knowledge and ethical leadership. It also supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through science- and technology-based innovation, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by promoting integrity, nationalism, and people-centered policies in national development.