A gathering of esteemed professors from 21 state universities across Indonesia converged at UGM for a program to bolster their leadership capacity.
The Council of Professors of State Universities with Legal Entities organized this program to elevate professors’ knowledge-based leadership skills and experiences.
The ALTITUDE (Academic Leadership Training on Innovative Transformation for University Development and Empowerment) occurred from Feb. 29 to Mar. 3, 2024, at UGM.
Chair of the council, Professor Andi Pangerang Moenta, articulated the program’s objectives, emphasizing its role in fostering progressive leadership models tailored to the unique academic landscapes of each participating university.
He highlighted the importance of developing adaptable models, modules, and media to inspire and equip professors as influential leaders within the academic community.
“The tailored models, modules, and media crafted for The ALTITUDE training will resonate with the distinct characteristics and academic norms of each university,” he elaborated.
Throughout the program, professors engaged in a dynamic exchange of experiences concerning innovative and transformative academic leadership roles and the profound impact of professors on societal enlightenment.
The discussions revolved around four central themes: cultural & social ecosystems, technology & natural resources, agriculture, food & health, and education & governance.
The Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, underscored the significance of global dynamics in shaping the trajectory of state universities in Indonesia.
She highlighted the imperative for universities to navigate global technological advancements to remain competitive in generating specialized and diversified technology-based knowledge.
“Despite global advancements, Indonesia faces significant challenges, particularly in economic complexity and innovation. To address these challenges, transformative leadership is indispensable,” she emphasized.
She cited that in economics, Indonesia ranks 63rd out of 131 measured countries in the Economic Complexity Index (ECI). Similarly, in innovation, Indonesia ranks 61st out of 132 countries globally. The low ECI represents the low level of innovation in Indonesia.
Given these challenges, she continued, university transformation is inevitable. State universities continue to adapt by making various breakthroughs to improve the quality of the tri-dharma program, for example, in education, by increasing the use of digital learning technology.
Additionally, in research, universities are expected to change their mindset to develop research beyond publications and intellectual property rights. Instead, they should carry out downstream through collaboration with industries, governments, and other countries.
Meanwhile, in community service, there is a need to increase funding achievements and recognition at the national and international levels.
“I welcome this activity. In this case, professors have the mandate to maintain scholarly credibility and disseminate scholarly ideas to address national issues. Therefore, transformative leadership is needed to realize this,” she concluded.
Addressing the transformative journey ahead, Professor Mochammad Maksum, Chair of the UGM Council of Professors, outlined the event’s agenda, which featured plenary sessions with distinguished speakers.
Noteworthy sessions included discussions on transformative leadership, academic leadership, network-based leadership, and leadership rising from disaster/responsive & resilient.
The program also facilitated immersive field studies at Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko, offering professors valuable insights into Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance. These experiences served as poignant reflections on developing present and future leadership capabilities.
Author: Ika
Photographer: Firsto