Depok, April 9, 2025 – The Faculty of Administrative Sciences at Universitas Indonesia (FIA UI) held a guest lecture on Innovation for Higher Education and the Future of Universities featuring Professor Wolfgang Drechsler from Tallinn University of Technology. The event took place in the EDISI 2020 Auditorium, located on the 4th floor of Building M.

In his lecture, Professor Wolfgang Drechsler focused on three key issues: the role of universities, artificial intelligence, and the challenges of political populism marked by the Trump phenomenon.

Professor Wolfgang emphasized that even as the world continues to advance technologically, universities must still serve as spaces for critical reflection on such progress. He cited the example of the University of Marburg in Germany, which has stood since 1527, as a symbol of academic institutional continuity.

“Innovation is not merely about following market trends, but a thought process that considers human values,” said Prof. Wolfgang.

Addressing the topic of artificial intelligence, Professor Wolfgang expressed concern over the rapid pace of AI development, which often lacks deep reflection. He stressed that while AI holds tremendous potential, its use must be grounded in strong ethical frameworks and social context.

In the final part of his presentation, Professor Drechsler highlighted the impact of populist governments, such as during the Trump era, and the potential alliance between such political figures and tech moguls like Elon Musk. He noted that a defining feature of such governance is anti-intellectualism and the weakening of university systems.

The event was also attended by FIA UI Dean, Prof. Dr. Dra. Retno Kusumastuti Hardjono, M.Si.; Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Teguh Kurniawan, M.Sc.; Vice Dean for Resources, Ventures, and General Administration, Prof. Dr. Milla Sepliana Setyowati, M.Ak.; Head of the Public Administration Study Program, Dr. Muh Azis Muslim; and Secretary of the Public Administration Study Program, Dr.phil. Reza Fathurrahman.