Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi
The UIII Academic Senate has marked a significant milestone by participating in the Council of Professors of State Universities with Legal Entities (MDGB PTNBH). As the only institution under the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) in this prestigious council, UIII underscores its growing influence in shaping Indonesia's higher education landscape.
UIII’s unique position as an academic institution under MORA allows it to bring fresh perspectives to the MDGB PTNBH Council. Unlike its counterparts under Kemendikbudristek, UIII is deeply rooted in Islamic and secular traditions, which strategically positions it to address a broad range of educational challenges from an interdisciplinary lens.
At the event, Prof. Ace Suryadi, Ph.D., delivered a keynote titled "Bridging Gaps: Exploring the Roots and Solutions for Equitable Education in Indonesia." He emphasized the importance of strengthening the implementation of Indonesia’s education laws, ensuring they reflect core values of equity, equality, and inclusion.
Additionally, Prof. Vina Adriany, M.Ed., Ph.D., in her presentation "Education, Inequality, and Social Justice," highlighted that the education system still struggles to overcome persistent inequalities. "Education should break the poverty cycle and empower individuals to think critically in every situation, preventing negative outcomes," she noted.
UIII’s Contribution to Key Commission Deliberations
The meeting was divided into five key commissions, each tackling a crucial aspect of higher education. UIII’s contributions were particularly prominent in the discussions of Commission B on the “Development of Knowledge and Strategic Thought” and Commission C on “Human Resources Development for Higher Education”. These commissions are tasked with producing recommendations that will serve as foundational input for future government policies.
The outcomes of these deliberations are expected to significantly shape Indonesia's education reform initiatives in the coming years. The MDGB PTNBH meeting concluded with leadership discussions and a commitment to draft policy recommendations for the government.
UIII’s Growing Influence on National Education Policy
By actively participating in these strategic discussions, UIII demonstrates its growing importance in national higher education policy debates. UIII's focus on equity and its strong academic foundation allows it to bridge gaps between religious and secular education, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable system.
This solidifies UIII’s reputation as a forward-thinking institution, ready to address Indonesia’s most pressing educational challenges in a globalized world. This participation is also a testament to UIII's alignment with global education values of inclusion, social justice, and equity, reinforcing its position as a thought leader in Indonesia's higher education sector.