EduAsiaNews, Bandung – Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in addressing various global economic challenges and strengthening national self-reliance. Many countries are currently facing considerable economic pressures, particularly those related to dependence on foreign currencies, energy supply chains, and global economic fluctuations. This was conveyed by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Brian Yuliarto, at the 2026 National Working Conference of the Council of Professors of State-Owned Legal Entity Universities (Rakernas MDGB PTNBH), themed “Healthy Campus: Building Physical, Mental, Social, and Ecological Resilience Towards a Sustainable Future,” held at Graha Sanusi Hardjadinata, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Dipati Ukur No. 35, Bandung, on Friday, 19 June 2026.
“There are many areas of dependency on other nations that are extremely significant. It turns out that such dependency renders a country insufficiently prepared when certain disruptions occur. This is a phenomenon affecting nearly all nations,” said Prof. Brian in his keynote address entitled “The Direction of Higher Education, Science, and Technology in Strengthening a Healthy and Sustainable Campus,” delivered on the second day of the 2026 Rakernas MDGB PTNBH.
Prof. Brian underscored the importance of technological transformation as a long-term solution, as well as the acceleration of the adoption of more energy-efficient technologies. He noted that several academic studies have demonstrated that electricity-based technologies are capable of delivering cost efficiencies. He further elaborated that the key to national progress lies in self-reliance, technological innovation, and the courage to bring about changes in work culture and governance. Higher education institutions — and professors in particular — are expected to serve as the driving force of intellectual thought and innovation in support of such transformation.
“Let us focus on dedicating our utmost effort. The key to a nation’s progress is self-reliance,” said Prof. Brian.
Prof. Brian called upon all academics to strengthen their tangible contributions to national development. He emphasised that such contributions should extend beyond academic studies to encompass concrete solutions that directly address the nation’s challenges.
“I respectfully call upon the professors at PTNBH institutions — I am aware that you seek nothing more than to contribute to this nation. Let us work together; should there be findings, breakthroughs, or proposals, please do come forward and share them,” Prof. Brian urged.
