Prabowo Subianto Wants to Expand Defense University Outside Java

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto expressed his keenness to expand the ministry-operated Indonesian Defense University (Unhan) campuses to other regions outside Java Island to allow more students to access quality education.

"We will open new (Unhan) campuses outside Java," Prabowo Subianto stated while opening the National Defence Youth programme on Saturday.

While disclosing that he targeted Sumatra, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, and other Indonesian regions for the new Unhan campus complex, he affirmed the ministry's readiness to assist regional authorities to develop the Unhan campus in new regions.

"Sumatra, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, and other regions must have a good school. New polytechnic schools must also absorb youth that would devote their work in the future," the minister said.

Prabowo Subianto emphasised that Unhan is open to all and free of charge. No recommendation letter is required to enroll at the university.

"Either you have a humble background or not, there will be no differences. What is important is that (applicants) pass the entry exam," he noted.

He also invited regional leaders to develop the military-orientated Taruna Nusantara Senior High School in their regions.

"If regional leaders in North Sumatra or other governors, mayors, and district heads can allocate a land plot for a new school, such as the Taruna Nusantara, we are ready to help," the minister said.

The Indonesian Defense University is established according to Presidential Regulation No. 5 of 2011 following the Minister of Education Letter No. 29/MPN/OT/2009 on March 6, 2009, which allowed the establishment of the university.

Study programmes offered by the university, specialised in the national defense and military aspects, are based on Minister of Education Decision No. 196/E/O/2011 dated September 7, 2011.

ANTARA

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