Perguruan Tinggi Bukan Menara Gading : Akuntabilitas Perguruan Tinggi & Dosen Dalam Pembangunan Nasional

Abstract

Higher education institutions play a strategic role in national development through the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, namely education, research, and community service. In the era of globalization, the Industrial Revolution 4.0, and the emergence of Society 5.0, universities are no longer expected to function as “ivory towers” that are detached from social realities. Instead, they must transform into institutions that generate real and measurable impacts for society. This article aims to analyze the accountability of higher education institutions and lecturers in supporting national development, particularly through strengthening human resource quality, research innovation, and community-based engagement. The study employs a literature review method by examining higher education regulations, government policies, and relevant academic references concerning the role of universities in the 21st century. The findings indicate that institutional accountability is reflected in the balanced and impact-oriented implementation of the Tri Dharma, including transformative learning approaches, the downstreaming of research outputs, and participatory, sustainable community service programs. Lecturers play a crucial role as human resource developers, social change agents, innovators, and guardians of professional ethics. However, the complexity of lecturers’ workloads presents challenges in maintaining optimal academic performance. Therefore, strong synergy among universities, government, industry, and society is essential to enhance institutional accountability. In conclusion, accountable and impact-driven higher education institutions are key to achieving sustainable, equitable, and community-oriented national development.