Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has issued permits for the opening of 156 specialist and subspecialist medical study programs to strengthen national health services.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, on Thursday, said the police came from the direction of President Prabowo Subianto; the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology; and the Ministry of Health.
"The Ministry of Health has issued permits for 156 new specialist study programs, 126 specialist study programs, and 30 subspecialist study programs," Yuliarto informed during a dialogue between President Prabowo Subianto and 1,000 academics at the State Palace in Jakarta on Thursday.
According to him, the policy has brought a direct impact on increasing the number of medical students. By early 2026, the total number of new students is expected to reach 3,150.
"Currently, there are around 5,000, bringing the total to 8,650 students," he said.
Yuliarto also highlighted an increase in national research funding, noting that President Prabowo has raised the budget from Rp8 trillion (US$460.5 million) to Rp12 trillion (US$690 million) in 2026.
Aligned with Prabowo’s directive, the minister emphasized that national research will serve as a bridge between scientific innovation and the concrete needs of Indonesia’s industries.
Several studies are already underway, including in the solar power and nuclear power sectors.
“Some research projects related to national industry are underway, including the solar power and solar cell industry, rare earth metals, waste management and the circular economy, nuclear power plants, the semiconductor industry, as well as the shoe, textile, and cosmetics industries,” he detailed.
Additionally, research is also targeting national food security, focusing on crops such as garlic, soybeans, and wheat.
