Universities Agents of Change and Mental Revolution: Puan

Jakarta. Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani addressed Brawijaya University students in Malang on Tuesday (27/09) and praised the university's commitment to the "mental revolution" in the higher education sector.

In her lecture, "The Role of Universities in Implementing the Mental Revolution," Puan emphasized the role of universities as agents of change, especially for the sake of "mental revolution" that aims to redefine the character of the whole country.

Among the attendees were Surya Chandra Surapty, head of the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN), House of Representatives member Ahmad Basarah, East Java Deputy Governor Syaifullah Yusuf and Deputy Coordinating Minister of Human Development, Culture, Education and Religion Agus Sartono.

"Mental revolution is part of the process of nourishing the nation's character so that we will be able to fulfill our ideals of freedom, being independent, united, sovereign, just and prosperous, in line with the Pancasila," Puan said.

Puan called on the students to be the agents of the change.

"I agree with President Sukarno about the role of Indonesian youth. I am certain of their capacity to make change for the better. They are the ones who will make Indonesia independent, self-sustained and civilized. Universities have an important role in developing and polishing the character of our future leaders," she said.

Puan also gave suggestions on how to improve education accessibility, including introduction of government scholarships to assist talented students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Increased efforts to fight drugs, radicalism, corruption and plagiarism on campus will also raise the morals of younger generations, she said.