Minister Rachmat Pambudy Emphasizes Important Role Universities Play in Development During Unpad Visit

During a working visit to West Java, the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Rachmat Pambudy visited Padjadjaran University (Unpad) to strengthen collaboration between the government and higher education institutions for sustainable development. Minister Rachmat emphasized the critical role of academia and universities in realizing the Golden Indonesia Vision 2045. “Universities must become an integral part of our national development. Why did Indonesia thrive before? Because universities led the planning process. I want universities to be inseparable from Indonesia’s national development,” he stated on Friday (15/11).

Higher education institutions are expected to play a significant role in achieving the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision 2045. The Asta Cita, or Eight National Aspirations, encompassing food, energy, and water security, as well as green and blue economies, are among the national priorities that require active university involvement. Minister Rachmat also praised the long-standing partnership between Bappenas and Unpad, particularly in human resource development programs. For nearly 18 years, Bappenas and Unpad have collaborated on planning education and training, including the preparation of the Voluntary National Review for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Closing the meeting, Minister Rachmat expressed his hope for enhanced collaboration with Unpad, particularly in advancing strategic innovations such as food self-sufficiency, renewable energy, and digitalization. “We aim to elevate the collaboration between Bappenas and Unpad—not just to sustain it but to expand its scope. I envision universities taking an active role in national planning. This is not for personal or institutional reasons but to achieve our shared goal of a prosperous Indonesia by 2045,” he concluded.