Indonesia plans 10 new universities to tackle medical worker shortage

Rabu, 21 Januari 2026 15:14 WIB

President Prabowo Subianto (left) chats with British Ambassador for International Education Sir Steve Smith (second right) after holding a meeting with the Russell Group at Lancaster House in London, England, Tuesday (20/1/2026). President Prabowo Subianto held a meeting with the Russell Group, a group of 24 top universities in England to explore cooperation in the field of education. ANTARA FOTO/Galih Pradipta/foc.

Palembang (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto revealed a plan to build 10 new universities focusing on medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and science and technology.

The construction of these universities is part of the government's effort to meet the demand for medical personnel nationwide.

Speaking after the UK-Indonesia Education Roundtable in London on Tuesday local time, he remarked that Indonesia still faces a significant shortage of healthcare professionals.

"We only produce 9,000 doctors per year, so it is unclear when we will reach the target of 140,000, especially as more doctors retire," he said in a video shared by the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel.

President Prabowo noted that the government is seeking collaboration with renowned UK universities to develop these 10 institutions.

"They have already cooperated with the University of Indonesia and Gadjah Mada University, and some have established campuses in Indonesia," he said.

According to the president, the new universities will adopt the UK’s high educational standards.

"We must have education of the highest quality, on par with the world's best," he stressed.

He further stated that the universities will accept top graduates under full government scholarships and will welcome foreign lecturers and professors.

Prabowo expressed optimism that enrollment could begin in 2028.

"The plan is to develop a designated area for these universities. We must guarantee the quality of life and security to attract international faculty to Indonesia," he remarked.