EduAsiaNews, Sumatera Utara – Rector of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., emphasized the importance of graduate education in strengthening Indonesia’s human resource capacity, research, and innovation. He made the remarks during USU’s Graduation Ceremony for the Fourth Period of the 2025/2026 Academic Year, held at the USU Auditorium from Wednesday to Friday (August 26–28, 2026).
Held under the theme “The Strategic Position of Graduate Education for Indonesia’s Advancement: Becoming a Problem Solver in an Era of Complexity,” the ceremony highlighted the growing importance of highly skilled human resources with advanced knowledge and research capabilities, particularly as development becomes increasingly dependent on knowledge, science, and technology. According to the Rector, graduate education not only produces graduates with higher academic qualifications but also strengthens their capacity to generate new knowledge and innovations.
Graduate Education Strengthens Research and Innovation Capacity
The Rector explained that doctoral education prepares human resources to lead research and become part of the skilled workforce in a knowledge-based economy. Meanwhile, master’s education expands advanced-level talent capacity needed to support research and innovation.
This is also reflected in data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which shows an increase in the average proportion of doctoral degree holders among the working-age population in OECD countries, from approximately 0.9 percent in the early 2000s to 1.3 percent in 2020. In Switzerland, the proportion has reached more than 3 percent, while Indonesia remains below 0.2 percent.
According to the Global Innovation Index 2025, Switzerland ranked first globally in innovation, China ranked 10th, while Indonesia ranked 55th out of 139 countries.
According to the Rector, the number of graduate degree holders is not the only measure of a country’s progress. However, a strong innovation ecosystem requires human resources with advanced research capabilities and knowledge.
“Innovation requires a strong research ecosystem. It also requires the development of human resources at the master’s and doctoral levels,” the Rector said.
Graduate Education as the Nation’s Knowledge Infrastructure
The challenges facing society and the nation are becoming increasingly complex, requiring human resources capable of thinking deeply, working based on evidence, and connecting knowledge across various disciplines.
According to the Rector, these capabilities are cultivated throughout graduate education. In preparing theses, dissertations, and other academic works, students become accustomed to formulating problems, developing research questions, critically examining existing knowledge, analyzing data, testing assumptions and ideas, and taking responsibility for the conclusions they produce.
Graduate education is regarded as one of the forms of knowledge infrastructure capable of strengthening Indonesia’s ability to conduct research, advance science and technology, generate innovation, and address challenges independently. He encouraged the master’s and doctoral graduates to take on greater roles in advancing knowledge and contributing to national development.
“Do not merely become consumers of knowledge; instead, contribute to expanding it. Do not merely become users of technology; strive to further develop and guide it. Do not merely observe the challenges facing our nation; take part in providing solutions to them,” the Rector advised.
Graduates Expected to Make a Meaningful Contribution to Society
These achievements are part of USU’s efforts to maintain the quality of education while ensuring that the degrees earned by its graduates remain relevant amid changing times. However, the Rector emphasized that a university’s reputation is ultimately built not only through institutional achievements but also through the accomplishments, integrity, and contributions of its alumni.
Addressing the graduates, the Rector encouraged them to continue learning and adapting after completing their education. He reminded them that their post-graduation journey would not necessarily begin from a prominent position, but that the capabilities, integrity, and contributions they consistently build would determine their future path.
“Your competence, integrity, and contributions will determine the course of your journey,” the Rector concluded.
The Rector also encouraged the graduates to continue developing their leadership, knowledge, and competencies so that the knowledge they acquired during their studies at USU could benefit humanity and contribute to national progress. He also reminded them to appreciate the sacrifices made by their parents, families, and others who supported their educational journey, and to uphold the good name of their families and alma mater.
