Indonesian Parliament to Summon Ministry Over Establishment of University of the Republic of Indonesia

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission X is set to summon the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (KemdiktiSaintek) to seek an explanation regarding the establishment of the University of the Republic of Indonesia (URI). In an official statement released on Friday, July 24, 2026, the commission announced its intention to request detailed information on the legal basis, funding sources, and development plans for URI during an upcoming hearing. Hetifah Sjaifudian, Chairperson of Commission X, stated, "Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives will strive to optimally carry out its oversight function. In the upcoming session, we will request KemdiktiSaintek to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the concept, legal basis, governance, funding sources, and development direction of URI." She acknowledged that Commission X has not yet discussed the formation of URI in any working meetings or official agendas, nor has it received formal explanations from the government regarding its legal foundation, institutional design, mandate, operational mechanisms, or budgetary needs. "Therefore, we deem it necessary for the government to provide a comprehensive explanation to the House and the public," Hetifah emphasized. She added that the public has the right to know the urgency of establishing URI, the strategic needs it aims to address, and its added value compared to other higher education institutions. Furthermore, Hetifah stressed that URI should not create functional duplication, overlapping authority, or fragmentation in the governance of national higher education. "Every new institution should be able to strengthen the existing higher education ecosystem, ensuring its development remains aligned and mutually supportive," she remarked. The University of the Republic of Indonesia (URI) is an institution established to educate prospective government officials. Following his inauguration as URI Governor on Wednesday, July 22, Air Marshal (Ret.) Donny Ermawan Taufanto stated that the government plans to build 10 campuses. "He wants to consolidate and integrate several existing educational programs. We have heard about the Garuda excellent schools, both new and transformed ones. He will also establish 10 Universities of the Republic of Indonesia," he explained. Education at URI will be tuition-free, operating on a scholarship scheme. Instructors will be recruited from both domestic and international sources, and URI will collaborate with several leading universities abroad. "It will be a university, so it will grant degrees. We will also cooperate with several leading universities abroad," he added. Information Source: Detik