Seventeen students from SMKN 1 Teluk Bintuni, West Papua, recently participated in an Intensive Training on Accounting, Institutional Finance, and Accounting Software, organized by the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM).
The program demonstrates FEB UGM’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, high-quality education and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focusing on reducing inequality and ensuring lifelong learning opportunities.
Held from Jul. 14 to Aug. 29, 2025, the training was a collaborative initiative between the Center for Accounting Education Studies (PKAP) and the Center for Information Systems Studies (PKSI) under the Research and Development Division of Accounting (RDSI) at FEB UGM.
These students, who traveled a great distance from their home region in West Papua, engaged in both theoretical and practical learning environments throughout the course.
Dr. Gumilang Aryo Sahadewo, Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni at FEB UGM, expressed his deep appreciation for the partnership and optimism for the long-term impact of the training.
“These 17 students from SMKN 1 Teluk Bintuni are expected to truly embrace this opportunity. Hopefully, this training will become a solid stepping stone for them to take on greater responsibilities in the future. In the next ten years, I hope they’ll become trusted young leaders who contribute meaningfully to their local communities,” he said during the opening session at the Visual Audio Room, FEB UGM.
His hope was echoed by Dr. Arika Artiningsih, Coordinator of PKAP, who motivated the students to ask questions and be active participants throughout the sessions.
“This opportunity is similar to the experience of studying away from home. Don’t be shy to ask questions, whether it’s about the materials or adjusting to life on campus. These lecturers are here to guide you, and this could be a transformative moment in your academic journey,” she encouraged.
The training combined direct instruction from FEB UGM lecturers and hands-on practice with MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) as part of a Teaching Factory module.
Students were also introduced to the use of modern accounting tools, such as the SIDEK-Edu and SIDEK-ERP applications developed by the FEB UGM Accounting Laboratory, which provided a realistic simulation of accounting operations.
Solikhudin, Head of the Elementary Education Division at the Department of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports of Teluk Bintuni Regency, also expressed appreciation for UGM’s efforts.
“This training is a great investment for the future of our youth. We are grateful for the collaboration with FEB UGM. Hopefully, this will empower the students with practical accounting and entrepreneurial skills that can spark the emergence of young entrepreneurs in Teluk Bintuni,” he stated.
The participants studied financial accounting, accounting digitalization, and software-based accounting modules. In addition, the students developed soft skills, including teamwork, adaptability, and communication competencies that are essential for both academic success and future career development.
The program also allowed students to familiarize themselves with university-level expectations, serving as early exposure to academic life in a higher education setting.
By engaging students from Papua in such programs, FEB UGM hopes to nurture a generation of skilled, confident young individuals who will return to their regions equipped with the knowledge and leadership to create positive social change.
This effort is part of a broader commitment by UGM to promote inclusive development, capacity building, and regional empowerment through education.
Reporter: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Kezia Dwina Nathania