Jakarta – The Rector of the Indonesian Muslim University (UMI) in Makassar, Prof. Dr. H. Hambali Thalib, S.H., M.H., attended the President of the Republic of Indonesia’s New Year’s Address, held by President Prabowo Subianto together with approximately 1,200 rectors from public and private universities throughoutacross Indonesia on Thursday (January 15, 2026) in the central courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.
The briefing served as a forum for direct communication between President Prabowo and university leaders to discuss national policy directions, global challenges, and the strategic role of higher education in national development.
On that occasion, Prof. Hambali Thalib was also seen accompanying the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendikti Saintek) Brian Yuliarto during a press conference following the meeting with the President.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi explained that the meeting was part of the President’s official agenda in his capacity as Head of State and Head of Government.
“This is part of the President’s agenda to discuss, share strategic perspectives, provide updates on national and global conditions, and outline major plans to be carried out in the future together with education stakeholders,” said Prasetyo.
According to Prasetyo, President Prabowo emphasized the importance of strengthening higher education as the foundation of national development, in line with the government’s strategic agenda to achieve food and energy self-sufficiency.
In addition, the President also highlighted the issue of a shortage of doctors, which nationally still stands at more than 100,000, as well as the need to improve the quality of higher education institutions in terms of faculty resources, facilities and infrastructure, and sustainable funding.
The government, Prasetyo continued, is encouraging higher education institutions to continue developing and improving quality without placing a financial burden on students or the public.
The UMI Rector’s presence at this national forum reaffirms UMI’s commitment to continuing to play an active role in supporting government policies and strengthening human resources toward Indonesia Emas 2045.