The Ministry of Research, Technology, & Higher Education is a result of merger from 2 known institution, Directorate General of Higher Education and Ministry of Research & Technology. Previously the Directorate General of Higher Education was governed by the Ministry of Education & Culture.

The Ministry of Research, Technology & Higher Education coordinate private and state universities, Private University Coordinator (KOPERTIS), and other government agencies non-ministry (LPNK) such as:

1. Nuclear Energy Agency (BAPETEN)
2. National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN)
3. Agency for the Assessment & Application of Technology (BPPT)
4. National Standardation Agency of Indonesia (BSN)
5. National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN)
6. Indonesian Institute of Science (LIPI)

The Ministry of Research, Technology, & Higher Education policies way forward are as follows:

1. Increase the number of educated and skilled work force having higher education.
2. Enhance the quality for higher education provider and R&D institution
3. Increase the number of qualified resource within R&D and higher education
4. Improve productivity of research and development; and
5. Advance nations capability in innovation