Public Relations of UPNVJ – Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Prof. Stella Christie, Ph.D. took the time to attend in the midst of her busy work schedule to share insights in front of 4,612 new students of the National Development University “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ), Monday, August 10, 2026. On the first day of the Introduction to Campus Life for New Students (PKKMB) UPNVJ 2026 at the Tennis Indoor Stadium Senayan, Jakarta, Stella delivered material entitled “Excellent Students in the AI Era: Sharpening Reasoning, Integrity, and Leadership.”
Stella's presence was a crucial session in preparing new UPNVJ students for the changing world of higher education, which is increasingly influenced by the development of artificial intelligence (AI). In a world where technology can process vast amounts of information and assist in various human tasks, students are required not only to be able to use technology but also to possess reasoning skills, maintain integrity, and develop leadership capacity.
In her presentation, Stella enthusiastically shared various perspectives with the new students. The discussion on AI wasn't merely about technological advancements, but rather linked it to human qualities that must be continuously honed throughout higher education. Students need to possess the critical thinking skills that serve as the foundation for understanding problems, evaluating information, making decisions, and being accountable for their choices.
This theme is particularly relevant for students embarking on their academic journey as AI becomes increasingly integrated into the learning process. The ease of accessing answers through technology presents new challenges: students need to understand how that information is obtained, verify its accuracy, recognize potential biases, and use it responsibly.
This view aligns with Stella's emphasis on critical thinking skills in the face of AI developments. In a previous education forum, she warned that AI can produce biased information, making the human ability to evaluate technological outcomes increasingly crucial. She believes this ability stems from a reflective thinking process that students need to continually develop.
For UPNVJ's 4,612 new students, this message serves as a reminder that entering higher education is more than just a transition from school to college. Higher education is a space for developing a more mature and independent way of thinking. Students are challenged not to accept every piece of information at face value, but to develop the habit of asking questions, discussing, reading, verifying, and constructing arguments based on knowledge and evidence.
Besides reasoning, integrity is an integral part of developing outstanding students in the AI era. Increasing technological capabilities must be balanced with responsibility in their use. In academic settings, integrity relates to honesty in the learning process, respect for the work and ideas of others, and an awareness that technology should assist the development of human abilities, not replace thought processes.
Another dimension receiving attention is leadership. Students are expected to develop the capacity to recognize issues around them and take a role in providing solutions. Leadership is not solely related to formal positions within organizations, but also the ability to make decisions based on values, work collaboratively with others, and take responsibility for the impact of those decisions.
On various occasions, Stella has also emphasized leadership based on vision, reasoning skills, empathy, and integrity. She believes that effective leadership is measured not only by final results, but also by the decision-making process and the courage to uphold values in the face of challenges.
The presentation provided a strong context for UPNVJ's new students to understand that future excellence isn't solely determined by the ability to operate technology. The changes brought about by AI actually increase the need for human qualities that cannot easily be replaced by machines, from the ability to think deeply, make critical judgments, uphold principles, communicate, and lead and collaborate with others.
Stella's session also reinforced the concept of UPNVJ's 2026 PKKMB (Community Empowerment Program) as an initial training program that extends beyond introducing campus facilities and life. UPNVJ presents speakers from various fields to broaden students' perspectives on education, self-development, social responsibility, and the younger generation's contribution to society.
Through the 2026 PKKMB (Program Kerja Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia), UPNVJ encourages new students to understand from the outset that technology must be positioned as a means to strengthen human capacity. Amidst the increasingly rapid development of AI, UPNVJ students are expected to grow not only as skilled technology users, but also as academics capable of critical thinking, upholding integrity, leadership, and utilizing knowledge to make a real impact on the nation.