EduAsiaNews, Surakarta — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta commemorated the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence with a flag-raising ceremony at the courtyard of the Dr. Prakosa Building on Monday (August 17, 2026). Members of the university community attended the ceremony dressed in traditional attire representing various regions across the Indonesian archipelago.
UNS Rector Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., served as the ceremony’s presiding officer.
During the solemn ceremony, Rector Hartono delivered the address of Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Prof. Brian Yuliarto to the academic communities of higher education institutions across Indonesia.
In his address, Minister Brian conveyed warm greetings from President Prabowo Subianto to academic communities throughout the country. The President also expressed his appreciation for the dedication, hard work, and contributions of university leaders, professors, lecturers, researchers, administrative staff, and students in advancing education and preparing Indonesia’s future.
“The President places great hope in Indonesia’s higher education institutions,”
the minister said in the address delivered by the UNS Rector.
The minister emphasized that Indonesia’s independence, achieved through the courage, sacrifice, unity, blood, and tears of its heroes, must be carried forward through concrete action.
The responsibility of the current generation, he said, is to ensure that Indonesia succeeds as a nation, promotes prosperity, strengthens self-reliance, and creates a better future for all Indonesians.
The government continues to strengthen a number of strategic programs, including food and energy security, expanded access to education and healthcare, improved state governance, as well as downstream processing and industrialization.
Through these efforts, Indonesia’s natural resources are expected to generate greater added value, create employment opportunities, and improve public welfare.
“Universities must not merely be spectators. Higher education must become an essential part of this national endeavor,”
Minister Brian stressed.
Universities are encouraged to contribute through sound thinking, constructive criticism, outstanding talent, and research and technology capable of addressing the nation’s needs.
Universities as Hubs of Research, Innovation, and Technology
Minister Brian said Indonesia possesses significant assets to become a developed nation, including abundant natural resources, a large population, and a young generation with considerable energy and creativity.
However, these assets must be accompanied by the ability to transform natural resources into added value, develop strong national industries, and master science and technology.
“In this struggle, universities must become the backbone of Indonesia’s resurgence,”
he said.
Universities, he noted, should not merely produce graduates and confer degrees. They must cultivate Indonesians who are highly capable, possess integrity, master science and knowledge, love their country, and are willing to take responsibility for Indonesia’s advancement.
Campuses must also serve as centers for research, technology development, and innovation. Strategic fields such as food technology, energy, healthcare, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and deep technology should continue to be developed to address future challenges.
Minister Brian stressed that research outcomes should not stop at reports or academic publications.
“Research must move beyond publications to become prototypes, patents, products, and solutions that are used by society,”
he said.
Universities are expected to generate technology-based startups, new industries, and quality employment opportunities for Indonesia’s younger generation.
To accelerate the national advancement of science, technology, and industry, the minister highlighted the importance of collaboration among universities, government, industry, state-owned enterprises, local governments, research institutions, and communities.
Leading universities are encouraged to grow together with developing institutions. Universities in major cities should work closely with institutions in regional areas, while scientists from different disciplines are encouraged to collaborate across fields.
“We may come from different regions, academic disciplines, and backgrounds. We may also hold different views. Yet we are united by one goal: the advancement of Indonesia,”
Minister Brian said.
Unity, he added, does not mean eliminating differences, but rather transforming diversity into a source of strength.
Academic Communities Play a Strategic Role
In his address, Minister Brian said Indonesians place great expectations on universities because campuses are where knowledge is developed, technology is created, and the nation’s future is prepared. That responsibility rests on the shoulders of the entire academic community.
University leaders are expected to transform their institutions into major forces for national development. Professors are expected to uphold academic excellence and produce ideas that contribute to Indonesia’s progress.
Lecturers and researchers, meanwhile, have a responsibility to educate future generations and conduct research that responds to society’s needs. Administrative staff also play an essential role in ensuring that universities continue to operate effectively and provide high-quality services.
Addressing students, Minister Brian encouraged them not to be afraid to experiment, conduct research, create, and build something new.
“Use knowledge not only to achieve personal success, but also to benefit society, the nation, and the state,”
he said.
He emphasized that members of the academic community are not merely part of universities, but also participants in Indonesia’s broader national endeavor.
Concluding his address, the minister called on the academic community to commemorate independence through hard work and tangible achievements.
Independence, he said, must be reflected in Indonesia’s ability to independently produce food, energy, medicines, technology, and other strategic necessities.
The government’s current efforts provide the foundation for Indonesia’s future, while universities have a responsibility to strengthen that foundation through talent development, research, innovation, and technology.
“Let us put an end to the habit of working separately. Let us close ranks, unite our expertise, and strengthen our determination,”
he urged.
Celebrating Diversity Through Traditional Attire
Commenting on the 81st Independence Day celebration, Rector Hartono said this year’s ceremony was enlivened by traditional costumes representing Indonesia’s diverse cultural heritage.
“This reflects our appreciation for cultural diversity while strengthening national unity and reaffirming our love for our homeland, Indonesia,”
he said.
Prof. Hartono also expressed his highest appreciation to all members of the ceremony committee and personnel who carried out their duties with dedication and delivered an excellent performance. Their hard work, discipline, and teamwork ensured that the ceremony proceeded smoothly, orderly, and solemnly.
HUMAS UNS
