‘Tri Dharma’ No Longer Enough: Here’s the Fourth Pillar Universities Must Have

February 04, 2025

Contributors: Supriyono & Virda Lalitya Umam | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photos: Virda Lalitya Umam

As Indonesia faces pressing global and domestic challenges, a question emerges: is the traditional role of universities in education, research, and community service—commonly known as Tri Dharma—still sufficient? Well, the short answer is: “No, it’s not”, according to Dr. Berry Juliandi, M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at IPB University and Acting Director of Learning and Student Affairs at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.

Speaking at a full-board meeting of the UIII Faculty of Education on Thursday (01/23/2025), Dr. Juliandi emphasized the urgent need for Indonesian universities to evolve beyond the conventional paradigm in viewing the function of higher education. In his presentation, titled “Impactful Education: Future Direction of Education Policy in Indonesia”, Dr. Juliandi outlined how higher education institutions must move beyond merely producing graduates to actively shaping the country’s socio-economic landscape.

He noted that while the Tri Dharma has long served as the backbone of Indonesia’s academic framework, it no longer accommodates the demands of today’s fast-evolving world. Instead, universities must integrate a fourth dimension—which he identified as “national impact”—by fostering innovation, aligning research with industry needs, and equipping students with 21st-century skills to navigate technological disruptions.

This paradigm shift comes in response to pressing national concerns, including the employability of graduates, effectiveness of research funding, the disconnect between academia and community needs, and the underdevelopment of scientific and technological talent. Dr. Juliandi stressed that universities should no longer function as isolated knowledge hubs but as dynamic institutions that contribute directly to economic growth, policy development, and technological advancement in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He also highlighted the risks and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence (AI) in education, warning that institutions must prepare students for an era where AI literacy is essential. “The real AI war will not be between humans and AI, as commonly depicted in fiction, but between those who can leverage AI and those who cannot,” he remarked. He encouraged universities to embrace AI responsibly while upholding academic integrity.

Closing his presentation, Dr. Juliandi underscored the importance of character-building as the foundation of education. “No matter how advanced our systems become, the true measure of education is the integrity and character of our students and educators,” he concluded.

Dr. Juliandi’s insights sparked a lively discussion among UIII Faculty of Education lecturers, who explored the implications of these changes for their academic programs and institutional strategies. As Indonesia transitions itself into a new era of higher education, the message is clear: universities must redefine their purpose, moving beyond the Tri Dharma model to become catalysts for national transformation.