Yogyakarta, July 2nd 2025 – Synergy among academia, industry, and regulators is considered a crucial key in enhancing the quality and sustainability of higher education in Indonesia. This emerged as a significant conclusion from the study visit of the Master of Higher Education Management (MMPT) program from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) to the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDIKTI) Region IV for West Java and Banten on June 24th 2025. The report on this activity highlights how LLDIKTI, as a technical implementing unit of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, addresses various systemic challenges and implements innovative strategies.
The research conducted by the MMPT UGM student team – Auliya Putri Lestari , Baiq Nabila Tira Lestari , Chynara Wilma Fakhirah N. , Fitra Annisa Hikma , Fuad Khalis Mahmud , Rachmawati , and Rani Dewayani – revealed that LLDIKTI Region IV oversees 417 active higher education institutions with 3,001 study programs. Key challenges include the disparity in lecturer quality (minimal S3 and professorships) , governance imbalances, and the financial condition of private higher education institutions (PTS) heavily reliant on UKT (Single Tuition Fee).
However, the report also highlights good practices worthy of emulation. Universitas Pamulang (UNPAM) demonstrates extraordinary efficiency with a low UKT that only covers 40% of lecturer salaries, with the remainder funded by business units and CSR contributions from industry partners. Similarly, Jakarta International University (JIU) has successfully built quality education with full support from South Korean industry CSR, offering a bilingual education model, and preparing graduates to compete in the global job market. “The spirit of independence and efficiency of these PTS should serve as an inspiration for State Universities (PTN), particularly in facing funding and institutional sustainability challenges,” stated the Head of LLDIKTI Region IV.
The Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program was also discussed as an effort to strengthen the managerial capacity of education personnel and expand access to scholarships. Furthermore, LLDIKTI is actively involved in the GRADASI 4 Program, which empowers students in various community service-based social activities, simultaneously honing their soft skills and leadership.
This visit underscores the important role of the MMPT program in developing competent higher education managers that are adaptive to governance dynamics. Discussions also touched upon strategies for improving lecturer qualifications, MMPT’s contribution to inclusive policies, and facilitating industry-university collaborations. LLDIKTI Region IV is committed to continuously improving the quality of higher education through collaboration, innovation, and strict oversight.
Author: Berlian Belasuni
Photo: Doc. MMPT SPs UGM Study Program