Marselia Melania Karet (17) never imagined she would experience learning at the prestigious Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM).
Along with 23 other SMKN 1 Teluk Bintuni students, she participated in the Intensive Training in Accounting, Institutional Finance, and Accounting Software at the UGM Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM) from Jul. 15 to Aug. 30, 2024.
“We are pleased and proud. I never thought I would be able to study at FEB UGM. Through this training, we gained a lot of new knowledge. We learned how to create financial reports, journals, and transaction data properly,” she said on Friday (Aug. 30) at the Closing Ceremony of the Intensive Training at FEB UGM’s Alumni Hall.
In addition, she and her friends also had the chance to learn directly using one of the innovations in accounting education developed by FEB UGM lecturers, namely SIDEK-Edu. This application introduced them to the components and data flows required to build a digital accounting information system.
“We are very grateful. Without this activity, we wouldn’t have gained this new knowledge. I hope this program will continue,” she added.
Petrus Maran shared similar sentiments, stating that the training provided him with invaluable knowledge and experience.
“Thank you. We hope that the knowledge we bring home will light the way for our future,” he said optimistically.
In his remarks, the Dean of FEB UGM, Dr. Didi Achjari, expressed his hope that the students would apply the knowledge gained during the training.
“We hope that the knowledge you’ve acquired will be useful in promoting development in Teluk Bintuni,” he said.
Dean Achjari also encouraged the students to remain enthusiastic about learning upon their return to Teluk Bintuni. They are expected to prepare themselves for the following stages of life, whether continuing their studies or entering the workforce.
“From now on, you need to study hard and prepare yourselves for the future, including those planning to continue to university. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology has an affirmative program for students from Papua called ADik. UGM also offers similar programs for students from 3T regions,” he explained.
The Head of Elementary Education at the Teluk Bintuni Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports Office, Solikhudin, representing the Regent of Teluk Bintuni, expressed his gratitude to FEB UGM for providing training to the SMKN 1 Teluk Bintuni students. He hopes that the knowledge they gain will help contribute to regional development.
“The knowledge acquired during two months at FEB UGM will serve as valuable capital for the students,” he said.
Dr. Arika Artiningsih, coordinator of PKAP and FEB UGM Accounting lecturer, explained that during the seven-week training, the students were taught everything from service company accounting to corporate accounting.
They received theoretical and practical lessons and were introduced to the SIDEK Edu and SIDEK ERP innovations developed by the FEB UGM Accounting Laboratory.
“The students learned not only about local financial management, taxation, and business ethics but were also equipped with soft communication and business presentation skills,” she explained.
This intensive training is part of FEB UGM’s efforts to promote sustainable development in education, particularly in supporting education in Papua. It is hoped that this program will serve as a role model for other educational institutions to actively participate in advancing education in remote areas of Indonesia, particularly in Papua.
The program aims to produce more skilled and knowledgeable young Papuans who can significantly contribute to regional development and Indonesia.
Report by: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif