Talking about higher learning reforms, the good system is marked by qualified and relevant universities, equal access and increased society’s participation. With the autonomy, universities are expected to show good accountability and social responsibility.
Such was said by Secretary of Higher Learning Board, Higher Learning Directorate General, Prof. Ir. Nizam, Ph.D., in the Seminar held by UGM Academic Senate at the Senate Hall, Tuesday (25/5).
He said that the role of universities is as a moral force. It monitors state’s identity and direction of change in the global era. "Universities are still the key for state competitiveness, therefore, qualified human resources should be possessed," Nizam said.
In a paper entitled "Higher Learning Repositioning: Sharing of Thoughts", Nizam hoped that a strategy will arise for higher learning reforms in order to develop the university to increase state competitiveness. "Therefore, universities should improve graduates and researches and increase government funding and people participation," he added.
Related to autonomy and decentralisation, wider authonomy should be given to universities by having more direct public accountability. This demands diversification of the mission and decentralisation planning and management. "Besides, universities should also protect the less fortunate community." Nizam added that reform strategies can be realised if the precondition of healthy organisation is met, because good organisational governance is precondition of autonomy, accountability, and quality improvement and relevance. "Therefore, universities will become the state moral force," he said.
Rector Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M.Eng., Ph.D., said that the higher one’s education is, the less spirit of entrepreneurship he has because he is reluctant to do things required which seem unimportant. He hope that the higher learning can reposition itself and formulate the roots of problem, because room for improvement is still open. Inspired by Suroto, a graduate of junior high school who became technician, and Suyadi, who passed the eight grade now succeds as a contractor. These should be made a reflection for the higher learning to formulate the right strategy,†he said.