Diponegoro University (Undip) had the honor of being the host of Working Visit of People’s Representative Council of Indonesia (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Republik Indonesia / DPR RI) Commission X (Education, Sports, Tourism and Creative Economy Fields) Session Period V, Session Year 2020-2021.
Undip Rector, represented by Vice Rector I for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Budi Setiyono, S.Sos., M.Pol.Admin., Ph.D., directly received the visit of 20 members of Commission X DPR RI and 9 Secretariats and experts. By implementing strict health protocols, the event is held on Friday June 18th 2021 at 09.00 AM in Rector’s Meeting Room on the 2nd floor of Widya Puraya Building, Undip Tembalang Campus.
Attending the event Dr. Ir. Paristiyanti Nurwardani, MP. (Secretary of the Directorate General of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education and Culture), Prof. Dr. Ir Muhammad Zainuri DEA (Head of Higher Education Service Institution Region VI Central Java), Representatives of the Central Java Private Universities Association, Rectors of State and Private Universities, and University Student Representatives of Undip.
Commission X of People’s Representative Council of Indonesia delegation led by Dr. H. Abdul Fikri Faqih, MM., came to Undip in order to make a specific visit related to higher education field as a form of implementing the supervisory function and to obtain factual data and direct confirmation from the Higher Education Leaders and higher education stakeholders concerning on government policies, in this case is Ministry of Education and Culture. This visit also aims to explore aspirations and to receive input from academics regarding the governance of higher education and Free Learning – Independent Campus Program.
In his remarks, Vice Rector I for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Budi Setiyono, S.Sos., M.Pol.Admin., Ph.D., expressed his appreciation for Independent Campus Program. “This is an initiative program from the Minister of Education and Culture, it is an extraordinary breakthrough and we really appreciate it,” said Prof. Budi Setiyono. “Besides that, we also strongly agree with the concept of Free Learning Program,” he continued. However, criticism and suggestions are also needed to improve the program. “One of our criticisms relates to Free Learning Program to not only focus on the level of processes or procedures, since the universities are need to be modified to follow that process which is sometimes actually not compatible,” said Prof. Budi.
Then in the meeting, they discussed Free Learning – Independent Campus Program, information on educational assistance for KIP scholarships for universities, complaints about the data collection system for high schools, as well as the relationship between industry and universities.
Some of the criticisms and suggestions from the audience will then be taken into consideration for the Government, in particular to the Ministry of Education and Culture, and the DPR RI, especially Commission X DPR RI, in implementing and overseeing higher education policies and Free Learning – Independent Campus Program. (Dhany-PR)
Translated by: Titis (Public Relations)
