Minister urges universities to boost talent in remote areas

hartono · Aug 11, 2026

Minister urges universities to boost talent in remote areas

Transmigration Minister Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara speaks to the press after giving a motivational talk to new Hasanuddin University (Unhas) students in Makassar on Tuesday (August 11, 2026). ANTARA/Abd Kadir

Makassar, S Sulawesi (ANTARA) - Transmigration Minister Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara has urged universities, particularly Hasanuddin University (Unhas), to play a greater role in producing high-quality human resources for remote areas, especially in eastern Indonesia.

Speaking in Makassar on Tuesday, Suryanagara said Unhas holds a strategic position as a center of excellence in education, science, and technology in eastern Indonesia.

"I see an extraordinary spirit at Unhas. I see it as an epicenter, a center of excellence in Eastern Indonesia, which aims to ensure that eastern Indonesia is not left behind by the western part of the country," he said after attending the campus orientation program for new students (PKKMB) at Unhas.

He said one of the keys to promoting equitable development is ensuring the availability of high-quality human resources in remote areas across Indonesia.

He acknowledged having encountered various problems in the field, including foreigners conducting business activities in several areas without the knowledge of local communities or governments.

"I have also seen firsthand that many foreigners are doing business and entering remote areas of Indonesia without our knowledge. Some of these activities are even quite illegal," he said.

He therefore stressed the importance of producing high-quality human resources capable of helping communities while independently managing regional potential.

He said that Indonesia's abundant natural resources must go hand in hand with improved public welfare.

The minister added that the issue was a shared responsibility between the government and the education sector.

He said universities should not only carry out their educational functions but also help provide solutions to problems faced by communities.

"I am confident that Hasanuddin University can become a beacon of education, science, and technology in eastern Indonesia," he said.