Amid global challenges, higher education institutions are key to knowledge development and innovation. They drive downstream efforts, turning potential into tangible products that benefit society and the nation.
Universities are expected to contribute to achieving energy security, a fundamental pillar of national sustainable development, through research and development.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Dr. Airlangga Hartarto conveyed this during a talk show titled The Role and Opportunities of Universities in the Downstream Agenda and Achieving Energy Security.
The event took place on Tuesday (Feb. 4) at the SGLC Building Auditorium, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FT UGM).
Dr. Hartarto emphasized that the government considers downstream efforts essential across various commodities, from mining products and agricultural goods to developing new and renewable energy.
He also highlighted the role and contributions of universities in the national downstream agenda, particularly through curriculum adjustments, the development of vocational programs, and the formation of graduates equipped with the latest technological expertise.
“We must have mastery in downstream, including expertise in electric vehicle technology, microcontroller design, IC engineering, and semiconductor devices,” he stated.
To support downstream, Dr. Hartarto noted that breakthroughs in higher education policies are necessary to ensure equitable access to education for all Indonesians.
This includes expanding scholarship opportunities for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
“We must encourage young Indonesians to pursue studies related to downstream, both domestically and abroad,” he asserted.
Equally important, he added, is fostering collaboration between universities and stakeholders at both national and international levels.
This collaboration should be accompanied by research development in technologies that support downstream and energy security.
Deputy Minister of Industry Faisol Riza pointed out that many industries in Indonesia struggle to benefit from downstream due to inadequate gas supplies, necessitating government intervention.
This condition weakens industrial competitiveness compared to other countries.
“We need to ensure an adequate energy supply to strengthen industrial competitiveness,” he explained.
The talk show moderator, Professor Tumiran, emphasized that universities can play a crucial role in advancing the national downstream agenda and achieving energy security, ultimately supporting Indonesia’s economic growth target of 8%.
“The key question is: What strategy should we adopt to drive 8% economic growth? What is the roadmap? I believe downstream is the answer—to optimize our mineral resources through knowledge and skills transformation, enabling the nation to generate maximum added value,” he concluded.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographs by: Firsto and Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs