Kapanlagi.com - In a historic moment taking place at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, officially appointed Brian Yuliarto as the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek). This appointment is based on Presidential Decree Number 26/P of 2025, which also marks a shift of several high-ranking officials in the Merah Putih Cabinet.
Brian Yuliarto, who previously served as the Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at ITB, now takes over the position of Mendiktisaintek from Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro. With a solid academic background and extensive experience in the research field, many are optimistic that his presence will bring fresh air and positive changes to the higher education sector in Indonesia, especially in strengthening research and innovation.
After being inaugurated, Brian Yuliarto emphasized his commitment to supporting national strategic programs initiated by President Prabowo, including a focus on food self-sufficiency, energy development, industrial downstreaming, and improving the quality of human resources (HR). So, what work programs will the new Mendiktisaintek implement? Let's take a look at the information summarized by Kapanlagi.com, Thursday (20/2).
1. Education and Career Journey: Specializing in Quantum Engineering and System Science
Brian Yuliarto, who was born in Jakarta on July 27, 1975, is a distinguished academic figure who has made his mark in higher education, particularly in the fields of physics engineering and nanotechnology. He completed his undergraduate education at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) before pursuing his master's and doctoral studies at the University of Tokyo, Japan, specializing in Quantum Engineering and System Science.
Returning to ITB in 2006, Brian held various important positions, including Head of the Student Affairs Institute and Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, before being appointed as Minister of Research and Technology by President Prabowo Subianto in 2025.
Through his involvement in national and international research projects, Brian has not only enriched the academic world but also made significant contributions to industry and technology in Indonesia through the development of nanomaterials and advanced sensors.
2. Want to Develop Higher Education and Research in the Homeland
In Brian Yuliarto's view, higher education in Indonesia must transform into a center for research and innovation capable of competing on the global stage. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration with international universities to strengthen national research capacity, especially in facing the challenges of the 4.0 industrial era and digitalization.
His commitment to building a research ecosystem that involves higher education institutions, industry, and government aims to accelerate the downstreaming of research results into innovative products ready for the market.
Brian also calls for the modernization of the higher education system through the use of digital technology, in order to enhance access and quality of learning, so that graduates are not only academically excellent but also competitive at the international level.
"The Ministry of Education and Technology feels it plays an important role in supporting the strategic programs of the President, such as food self-sufficiency, energy, downstreaming, and industrialization," said Minister of Education and Technology, Brian Yulianto, after being inaugurated by President Prabowo, quoting ANTARA.
3. Achievements and Research Works
Brian, a brilliant scientist and skilled researcher, has created a variety of amazing innovations in the world of nanotechnology and sensor technology, which have now become mainstays in the health, energy, and industrial sectors. For his extraordinary dedication, he was awarded the Habibie Prize 2024 in the field of Engineering Science, a prestigious award recognizing his contributions to advancing technology in Indonesia.
Behind his success are revolutionary research efforts such as the development of plasmonic biosensors for detecting infectious diseases, nano biosensor systems for early cancer detection, and nano-structured materials ready to transform the health and energy sectors.
Not only that, Brian is also involved in research on amorphous silicon-based photovoltaic technology and high-efficiency nano materials, committed to supporting the transition to sustainable clean energy in the homeland.
4. Appointed as the New Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology
The appointment of Brian Yuliarto as the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek) marks the beginning of a new chapter in the management of higher education in Indonesia.
In his spirited speech, Brian emphasized his commitment to improving the quality of research and innovation, which are the main foundations for building superior human resources. He is determined to make his ministry a driving force in supporting the government's strategic policies, focusing on developing a higher education ecosystem that is more responsive to industry demands.
Not only that, but Brian also promised to increase the number of scientific publications and patents from universities, as well as to promptly consolidate with various stakeholders to accelerate the realization of the flagship programs that have been prepared.
5. Brian Yuliarto's Work Program: Strengthening Research Cooperation, Self-Sufficiency to Industrial Downstreaming
Brian Yuliarto is currently preparing a series of strategic programs that will serve as the main foundation of his ministry, focusing on strengthening international research collaboration, increasing investment in centers of excellence in science and technology, and optimizing higher education based on innovation and digitalization.
He is committed to accelerating the downstream process of research, so that the results of innovations from universities can be immediately utilized by industry and society, providing a significant impact on economic growth and national technological advancement.
With this ambitious vision, Brian is expected to transform the landscape of higher education in Indonesia and make the science and technology sector a main driver in realizing the aspirations of Indonesia Gold 2045.
"This Diktisaintek is strategic for creating industries, conducting research, and innovation. So we indeed bear a heavy burden, but I believe that with the collaboration of campuses across Indonesia, both public and private, let us work together with our respective workloads and segments, so that we can help or support the priority programs of Astacita," he added.
6. FAQ
What are the main programs of Brian Yuliarto as the Minister of Research and Technology?
Brian will focus on strengthening research and innovation, enhancing international cooperation, and commercializing research results.
What is Brian Yuliarto's educational background?
He studied at ITB for his undergraduate degree and continued his master's and doctoral studies at the University of Tokyo, Japan.
What is Brian Yuliarto's vision for research development in Indonesia?
Brian aims to create a strong research ecosystem through collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
What is Brian Yuliarto's strategy for improving the quality of higher education?
Through digitalization, international cooperation, and improving research infrastructure at Indonesian universities.
What are the main challenges faced by Brian Yuliarto as the Minister of Research and Technology?
The main challenges are limited research funding, bureaucracy in managing higher education, and the readiness of academic human resources.
(kpl/rmt)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.