Higher education is a vital component of the national education system, serving not only to advance the nation’s intellectual capacity but also to drive innovation and the development of science and technology. Amid the dynamics of globalization, the transformation of higher education has become crucial to supporting social, ecological, and economic development, as well as achieving sustainable development goals.
To enhance the nation’s competitiveness in the era of globalization, higher education is expected to develop science and technology and produce academic individuals who are cultured, creative, tolerant, and resilient for the progress of the nation. Therefore, universities are obliged to implement education, research, and community service as outlined in the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, as mandated in Law Number 20 of 2003 Article 20 Paragraph (2) on the National Education System and Law Number 12 of 2012 on Higher Education.
The Directorate General of Research and Development (Ditjen Risbang) recognizes the importance of research and community service in higher education institutions. Therefore, Ditjen Risbang continues to strive to improve the quality of research and community service through research development that generates innovations beneficial to various stakeholders, including the government, industry, and society. Funding for research and community service originates from the State University Operational Assistance (BOPTN) budget and is allocated to lecturers within the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) based on the provisions of applicable regulations.
As an effort to support the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, Ditjen Risbang through the Directorate of Research and Community Service (DPPM) has prepared the 2026 Research and Community Service Guidelines Book. Research and community service programs provide opportunities for university lecturers to collaborate and produce research that can serve as solutions and innovations in addressing societal needs and challenges, and such research outcomes may be disseminated and applied through community service activities. This guideline book is prepared to improve the quality and quantity of research and community service activities while aligning strategies and policies with the priority programs of Kemdiktisaintek in fostering and strengthening a scientific culture of research and development and addressing national social and economic issues.
The 2026 Research and Community Service Guidelines Book emphasizes the importance of research focusing on national problems and challenges, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, information and communication technology (ICT), automation, new and renewable energy, food and health technology, transportation and infrastructure, as well as advanced materials and nanotechnology.
These research focuses are aligned with the fields, themes, and topics outlined in Presidential Regulation Number 38 of 2018 on the National Research Master Plan 2017–2045. In addition, as a form of appreciation for Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity, research and community service are also expected to address issues of local wisdom that reflect the values, norms, and knowledge and technological systems embedded in society.
Finally, it is hoped that the publication of this guideline book will direct research and community service activities in higher education institutions toward producing inventions and innovations that address societal needs and enhance the competitiveness of the Indonesian nation.
Jakarta, November 2025
Directorate General of Research and Development
Attachment: 2026 Research and Community Service Guidelines
