TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdikti) has raised the idea of shutting down study programs considered irrelevant to the industry. The Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Badru Munir Sukoco, stated that the plan to close study programs is aimed at reducing the gap between university graduates and the competencies required by the job market.
As a result, he mentioned, the demand in the field often does not match the academic background of the graduates. "There might be some actions that need to be executed in a relatively short time regarding the study programs that need to be selected. If necessary, they need to be closed to enhance relevance," said Badru in Badung, Bali on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Kemdikti, he said, noted that there are 1.9 million graduates produced by universities every year. This number is considered to have made it difficult for university graduates to find jobs.
Several universities admitted they have not received information regarding the plan to close study programs. However, they have responded to the idea proposed by Kemdikti.
Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY)
Vice Rector for Education and Student Affairs of UMY, Zuly Qodir, stated that their university has no plans to close study programs. "At the moment, we choose to adjust the curriculum instead of directly closing study programs," said Zuly on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
According to Zuly, this curriculum adjustment is considered more adaptive in facing the changing needs of the times without eliminating certain fields of study. "Curriculum strengthening is done by involving industry practitioners and strengthening non-academic competencies of students to better prepare them for the job market," he said.
This approach is also considered to be better at bridging the gap between higher education and industry needs. "We adjust the curriculum to the developments in the job market and involve practitioners so that students understand the needs in the field," he said.
UMY itself finds it odd to discuss closing study programs to address the issue of graduate imbalance. "The discussion of closing study programs needs more detailed clarification, especially regarding which fields are considered irrelevant," said Zuly.
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)
The Rector of UGM, Ova Emilia, admitted that their university regularly evaluates study programs. Therefore, she is open to closing, opening, merging programs, or transforming study programs.
"Because we are facing a very dynamic world and challenges," Ova responded to the plan to close irrelevant study programs via voice message on Monday, April 27, 2026.
She said educational institutions need to be in line with the needs of the times. Educational institutions need to regularly analyze the situation. "What is needed, what kind of curriculum, what competencies are needed, or what levels are needed," she said.
According to her, educational institutions play a role in providing students with abilities. The aim is for graduates to be able to face challenges independently.
Furthermore, future study programs need to collaborate with industries or appropriate places based on the user sector of the graduates. Policies from higher education must be made taking into account their users.
"Whether it's industry, or even educational institutions. So if what we see is as if on its own, then if there might be oversupply, it might happen if it is not discussed together," she said.
Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad)
Unpad admitted they have not received information about the government's plan to close study programs deemed irrelevant to the industry. However, the Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs of Unpad, Zahrotur Rusyda Hinduan, emphasized that the decision to close a study program is entirely up to the university.
Moreover, she said, several public universities currently have legal entities (PTNBH) with academic autonomy. "We understand the Ministry's intention that there might be some irrelevant study programs, but the authority to open or close study programs lies with the university, especially Unpad, since we are a PTNBH and already have autonomy," said Rossie, as Zahrotur Rusyda Hinduan is called, when contacted on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Rossie stated that Unpad does not want to take extreme measures by closing such study programs. Instead of closing the programs, Unpad considers that a more appropriate evaluation should focus on curriculum renewal and updates, so that study programs can become relevant to job needs.
Universitas Udayana
The Rector of Udayana University, I Ketut Sudarsana, emphasized the importance of regular evaluations of study programs in the university environment. The aim is for the implementation of learning to remain relevant to the development of science and the needs of society.
However, he said, the evaluation of the relevance of higher education should be done carefully and not hastily. He said the evaluation or adjustments should be done comprehensively and based on in-depth academic studies.
"The evaluation process certainly needs to be done carefully, comprehensively, and based on in-depth academic studies," said Ketut on Saturday, April 24, 2026.
Universitas Indonesia (UI)
The Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Relations of UI, Erwin Agustian Panigoro, stated that UI has not yet decided on any steps regarding the plan to close study programs. UI also has not identified which study programs are considered irrelevant to the industry and need to be closed.
"Because there is no official letter or directive from the ministry regarding the closure of study programs, UI has not had any discussion or plans regarding which study programs will be considered for closure," said Erwin when contacted on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Dede Leni Mardianti and Novali Panji Nugroho contributed to the writing of this article.
Read: UMY Criticizes Indonesian Govt Plan to Shut Study Programs
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