Makassar, South Sulawesi-wapresri.go.id. University as the highest level in the education system is required to maintain the quality of knowledge, one of which is by providing an encouraging and conducive atmosphere in campus for students to study.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla stated this at the 60th Anniversary of the University of Hasanuddin in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Saturday (Sept. 10).

“We do not only need a great number of graduates, but the most important is the quality graduates. Therefore, we should not fool around with the quality of knowledge,” he asserted.

A university, the Vice President said, serves to establish the students’ mind so that they could make significant changes in society.

He further said, in addition to the physical building and the process of teaching and learning on campus, the alumni play an important role in advancing the university.

“In the age of 60 years, I am proud of Hasanuddin University which has been able to synergize 3 things to promote this university, namely buildings, teaching and learning, and the role of alumni,” said the Vice President.

Physically, he added, the campus of Hasanuddin University has been much better than before.

Meanwhile, related to teaching and learning, the Vice President urged the university to always look forward, by teaching knowledge that is able to solve problems appearing in 5 to 10 years to come.

“Knowledge is constantly changing. Technologies are also rapidly changing. Universities should therefore become agents of change and capable to adapt to the change,” he said.

Concluding his speech, the Vice President congratulated the Hasanuddin University as it is now ranked eighth among all universities in Indonesia.

Previously, Hasanuddin University Rector Prof. Dr. Dwia Aries Tina Palubuhu reported that the theme of the 60th Anniversary of Hasanuddin University is “Strengthening Community Economy towards Economic Independence”.

“As the peak of the anniversary, the university will hold a national alumni meeting attended by about 6,000 people,” he said.

On the occasion, the Vice President had the opportunity to witness the launch of the book of “60 Years of Hasanuddin University”, to launch the maximum cards and stamps issued in commemorating the 60 Years of Hasanuddin University, to inaugurate the establishment of the Institute of Micro Finance of Hasanuddin University in collaboration with Bank Rakyat Indonesia, and to witness the launching of the construction of houses for Hasanuddin University lecturers.

Also present at the event, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution, Minister of Communication and Informatics Rudiantara, and South Sulawesi Governor Syahrul Yasin Limpo.