UNAIR NEWS 鈥 东京热 (UNAIR) participated in the National Dialogue of the Science, Technology, and Industry Convention (Sarasehan Kebangsaan KSTI), which took place from Friday to Sunday (June 26鈥28, 2026) at Hall B of the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC), Jakarta. The strategic national forum was organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology in collaboration with the Association of Indonesian State University Rectors (MRPTNI).听
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Under the theme 鈥淪trategies for Indonesia鈥檚 Economic Self-Reliance and Prosperity,鈥 the dialogue convened ministers of the Red and White Cabinet (Kabinet Merah Putih), university leaders, academics, and other stakeholders. The forum aimed to formulate science-based policy recommendations to support the nation鈥檚 economic self-reliance and long-term prosperity.
Multidisciplinary contributions
Each participating university was represented by its leadership, including university executives, members of academic senates, professors, deans, and senior researchers. The involvement of representatives from both Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and non-STEM disciplines reflected a collective effort to strengthen multidisciplinary contributions to the formulation of national policy recommendations. The convention brought together a total of 2,600 academics. UNAIR was represented by Rector Prof Dr Muhammad Madyan SE MSi MFin, Vice Rector for Resources Prof Dr Ardianto SE MSi Ak CMA CA, University Secretary Prof Dr Dwi Setyawan SSi MSi Apt, Academic Senate Secretary Prof Dr Imam Mustofa drh MKes, along with several faculty deans and school directors at the convention organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.
The KSTI National Dialogue addressed a range of strategic issues, including the economy and finance, food security, energy, downstream and industrial development, maritime affairs and fisheries, agriculture, and education. The outcomes of the discussions are expected to generate strategic policy recommendations from universities to support the government in strengthening inclusive, adaptive, and impactful national development.
President Prabowo Subianto officially inaugurated the annual convention. Together with the Vice President and ministers of the Merah Putih Cabinet, the President of the Republic of Indonesia emphasized the vital role of academics in advancing the nation. 鈥淓very innovation, every transformation, and every advancement in every nation throughout the course of human civilization has originated from the finest minds. All progress in human life is ultimately determined by science and technology in the broadest sense,鈥 President Prabowo stated.
The President also highlighted the importance of collaboration in building a strong nation. 鈥淣ations whose elites are able to work together are the ones that rise. Nations whose elites fail to cooperate will be unable to reach their full potential,鈥 he added.
President Prabowo Subianto, together with the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, officially opened the convention through a symbolic button-pressing ceremony. The President was also joined by rectors from leading universities across Indonesia, including UNAIR.
Recognition
University Secretary Prof Setyawan stated that UNAIR鈥檚 involvement in the opening ceremony reflected the recognition the university has earned at the national level. 鈥淣ot every institution received an invitation from the President to accompany him at the opening of this event. Only selected leading universities were invited to join him on this occasion,鈥 Prof Setyawan explained.
According to him, the invitation reflected a remarkable recognition from the Indonesian government, as the UNAIR Rector was given the opportunity to take part in an important national dialogue between the President and the academic community of Indonesian higher education institutions. This occasion demonstrated how UNAIR鈥檚 achievements have earned appreciation and recognition from the government.
Prof Setyawan also expressed his appreciation for the organization of this national forum, as it would ensure that the government鈥檚 vision, ideas and programmes could be effectively communicated. 鈥淲e greatly appreciate this forum because the President and cabinet ministers are able to engage directly in discussions and share their perspectives and ideas on national development. When communication between the nation鈥檚 highest leaders and university leaders is conveyed effectively, I believe that future programs will be implemented more swiftly and that Indonesia鈥檚 development will continue to advance,鈥 he added.
Notably, UNAIR Rector Prof Madyan also had the opportunity to serve as moderator for the Economic and Finance Dialogue alongside guest speaker the Minister of Finance, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa PhD, on the third day of the KSTI 2026 National Forum.
UNAIR participation in the forum reflects the university鈥檚 commitment to contributing through academic excellence, research, and innovation in support of science-based policymaking. Through the involvement of its Rector and experts from diverse disciplines, UNAIR aims to provide academic perspectives on various national development challenges while reinforcing synergy between higher education institutions and the government.
Author: Andi Pramono
