foto: Istimewa
Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro , the figure who currently serves as the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendikti Saintek) in the Red and White Cabinet, is currently being hotly discussed. Known as an accomplished academic, his steps are now in the spotlight along with the demonstration by Kemendikti Saintek employees in Jakarta.
The protest action that took place on Monday (20/1) in front of the ministry office highlighted the issue of alleged arrogance and lack of transparency in the management of the ministry. The masses wearing black uniforms expressed their dissatisfaction with Satryo's decisions and leadership style which were considered not in accordance with procedures.
However, behind this controversy, Satryo's life journey is worth observing. As the son of the former Minister of Education and Culture during the Soeharto era, Soemantri Brodjonegoro, Satryo has a strong background. Let's explore it further.
1. Family and educational background
Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro was born on January 5, 1956 in Delft, Netherlands. He is the son of Soemantri Brodjonegoro, who served as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (1967-1973) and Minister of Education and Culture (1973). This family has a great influence in the world of education and government in Indonesia.
He studied mechanical engineering and earned a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in 1985. Previously, he also completed his doctoral studies at the University of Tokyo, Japan. His academic track record shows a high dedication to education and research.
In the academic world, Satryo began to be known as a lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). His career shone even brighter when he was elected as Head of the ITB Mechanical Engineering Department in 1992, which became the starting point for greater contributions in higher education.
2. Career at the Directorate General of Higher Education
In 1999, Satryo was appointed as Director General of Higher Education (Dirjen Dikti). During his eight years in office, he brought about various significant reforms, including the transformation of higher education institutions into State-Owned Legal Entities (BHMN), which are now known as State Universities with Legal Entities (PTN BH).
Under his leadership, the World Class University concept was launched in 2007. This program aims to improve the competitiveness of Indonesian universities at the global level through international collaboration, increased scientific publications, and participation in the QS World University Rankings.
His contributions have been recognized by various parties, including the Japanese government which awarded him the Order of the Rising Sun in 2016 for his role in strengthening educational relations between the two countries.
3. Involvement in the Indonesian Academy of Sciences
After serving as Director General of Higher Education, Satryo continued his career as Chairman of the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI) for the 2018-2023 period. In this position, he focused on the development of national science and technology.
As an academic, Satryo is known to be productive with more than 99 scientific publications. He also contributed to the development of engineering faculties at various universities, including being a member of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) team for Hasanuddin University.
4. Wealth in the spotlight
While serving as Minister of Education and Science and Technology, Satryo reported his total wealth reaching IDR 46.05 billion in December 2024. This wealth consists of land and buildings, transportation equipment, and cash and cash equivalents. However, the spotlight on his wealth has become a separate issue amid allegations of arrogance and procedural injustice in the ministry.
As is known, dozens of ASN lined up in the front lobby of the building. They unfurled satirical banners that were indirectly aimed at Prof Ir Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro.
Some of the black banners seen in the demonstration read "State institutions are not Satryo and his wife's private companies". While other banners with a white background read "We are paid by the state, working for the state not as family servants".
5. Awards and recognition
For his contributions, Satryo received a number of awards, including the Ganesha Bakti Cendekia Utama Medal from ITB in 2010 and an international award from Japan. These awards reflect his long dedication to advancing education and technology.
As a minister, Satryo is faced with the enormous challenge of building an inclusive and competitive higher education system. However, current issues are testing his integrity and leadership policies.
(brl/red)
