PLP Menjadi Motor Penggerak Riset di Perguruan Tinggi
PLP Menjadi Motor Penggerak Riset di Perguruan Tinggi
Quality of higher learning in Indonesia depends on the quality of human resource. In terms of research, it is not the lecturer or researchers that have the big role in supporting research, but the Education Laboratory Officers (PLP).
This was said by Vice-Rector of UGM for Research and Community Service, Prof. Dr. Suratman, in a national seminar on Thursday (20/10) in Grha Sabha Pramana UGM, which is a collaboration between association of UGM PPLP and Human Resource Directorate.
“The heart of research is at the higher learning. And you are all the assets of the state to strengthen the research and increase the nation’s competitiveness,” he said to some 400 members of PLP, Laborants, and Technicians from various universities in Indonesia,” said Suratman.
PLP is a functional position that runs the technical lab management. Their duties are to plan lab activites, operate equipment and use materials, maintain equipment and materials, evaluation of lab work system and development of lab activities for research, education or community service.
PLP, according to Suratman, is not only the supporting role but also one of the drivers that drive research with the researchers. A national roadmap is therefore needed to plan PLP future development.
“There has to be a change in the management of lab infrastructure. Sophisticated equipment has to be provided and UGM has already started this. Hopefully, other universities will start devise a masterplan,” he said.
Head of Career for Non-teaching Staff of the Higher Learning Directorate General, Dr. Feri Ramadhan, further described the plan for activities and regulations to produce competent and professional PLP. “In terms of research, the key is cooperation between PLP and lecturers, They should work together, not compete with each other,” he said.
To support the role of PLP as research driver, Feri said, the Ministry has devised programme to improve their competence.