Mata Najwa at IPB University: Exploring the Meaning of College, the Role of Degrees, and the Realities of the Working World
IPB University was once again entrusted to host the Mata Najwa program. Carrying the theme “College, Work, and Reality,” the event took place at the Graha Widya Wisuda (GWW), Campus Dramaga, Bogor, on Wednesday (9/18).
Hosted by Najwa Shihab, the discussion brought together leading figures from diverse fields, Minister for Higher Education, Science, and Technology Prof. Brian Yuliarto, University of Nottingham researcher and lecturer Bagus Muljadi, actress Prilly Latuconsina, and comedian Ernest Prakasa. Their presence sparked a critical exchange of ideas on the meaning of higher education, the role of degrees, and the challenges of entering the workforce in the era of technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
Rector IPB University, Prof Arif Satria, emphasized that IPB University continues to remain relevant because its education is not confined to theory, but also grounded in real-world engagement. Students, he added, are equipped with the right mindset and soft skills to adapt to the demands of the modern era.
He said that student organization (ormawa) activities and campus orientation programs, also known as the Masa Pengenalan Kampus Mahasiswa Baru (MPKMB), have proven to be a space for non-academic learning. .
“At the recent graduation ceremony, when students were asked about their most memorable college experience, the top answers were MPKMB and student organizations. This proves how essential soft skills are in shaping graduates’ character,” he said.
The K2020 curriculum, the first of its kind in Indonesia, integrates academic and non-academic learning to provide students with holistic competencies.
“Students gain hard skills from lectures, and soft skills from organizational activities and campus experiences. This combination produces competitive individuals who are ready to contribute to progress,” he explained.
Najwa Shihab opened the discussion with a provocative question: “If one can succeed without a degree, is college still necessary? Why do we spend years of time and money pursuing higher education?”
Prof Brian Yuliarto responded by stressing that higher education is not merely about earning a degree, but about building critical thinking capacity. “Graduates should serve as pillars of democracy. Universities must nurture free thinkers who are ready to tackle the challenges of our times,” he said.
Therefore, Bagus Muljadi highlighted the importance of flexibility and interdisciplinarity in academia. “On campus, students are trained to integrate knowledge across disciplines. This equips them for the increasingly complex world of work,” he noted.
Actress Prilly Latuconsina shared her perspective that college is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about shaping character. “Grades aren’t everything. What matters most is how college trains us to be disciplined, critical, and confident in expressing our ideas,” she said.
Comedian Ernest Prakasa added a voice from the creative industry. “In creative fields, attitude and soft skills weigh more than academic scores. A smile, gestures, and communication style can sometimes matter more than grades,” he remarked.
Najwa Shihab closed the event by reminding students that college should not be seen as the end goal. “Campus is a space for self-discovery, for cultivating critical thinking, and for preparing us not only to find jobs but also to create them,” she concluded. (AS) (IAAS/HRD)
