Jakarta (Antara Bali) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) opened the 2016 National Conference of the Indonesian Rector Forum at the State University of Yogyakarta in Yogyakarta on Friday night where he emphasized the important role that universities play in research.
"I want to encourage universities to develop research and competitive downstream in order to respond to market needs and the needs of industry," Jokowi said in his opening speech.
According to the president, the universities need to play a role in carrying out research that the nation finds applicable. The universities must also help make people more competitive.
President Jokowi explained that Indonesia is entering a period of intense competition with other countries in the field of economy, and therefore, the universities need to create a competent workforce.
He noted that there are offers for regional economic cooperation from the United States through the "Trans Pacific Partnership" treaty and from China through a "Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership." Such offers need to be assessed for the government to come up with an appropriate decision that benefits the nation's economic development.
Therefore, the president added, the universities in Indonesia need to work together with a number of relevant state-owned companies to facilitate scientific research and studies. (WDY)
President Opens Conference Of Indonesian Rector Forum
Sabtu, 30 Januari 2016 15:59 WIB