Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continues to promote digital transformation in the academic environment. Through the Digital Transformation Bureau, UGM actively encourages innovation and promotes the involvement of the academic community, such as lecturers, staff, and students, in accelerating digital transformation. The focus is not only on technical aspects but also on user experience.
This was highlighted in the workshop ‘Digital Transformation: Share, Brainstorm, Innovate,’ which was held at the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM) on Thursday, Mar. 20, 2025.
The event, organized by UGM’s Digital Transformation Bureau, featured three UGM lecturers who had studied abroad and returned to share best practices on utilizing digital technology.
Dr. Guntur Budi Herwanto, a lecturer from UGM’s Computer Science Program at the UGM Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA UGM), shared his experience studying at the University of Vienna, Austria, particularly in academic administration.
He noted that the course selection system was more flexible, allowing students two to six weeks to complete their Study Plan Cards (KRS).
“This system allows students to choose their courses without rushing while the university server remains stable and error-free,” he explained.
Dr. Herwanto added that the digital-based administrative system also helps manage class capacity and ensures students can prioritize their preferred courses through a point allocation system.
“Each student receives 100 points per semester to prioritize the courses they want. Those who allocate points to a course get priority seating in that class,” he said.
Dr. Melysa Fitriana, MD, a lecturer at FK-KMK UGM, shared her experience studying at Taipei Medical University in Taiwan.
She described the highly efficient digital administration system, which includes self-service kiosks for printing academic documents such as transcripts.
These machines allow students to print documents anytime without queuing at the academic office or seeking signatures.
“The paper has special security features like digital signatures, logos, printing date and time, and different colors to prevent forgery or duplication,” she added.
Additionally, the library system allows students to return books independently through kiosks available 24 hours a day.
Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho, a lecturer from UGM’s Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP UGM), discussed the implementation of digital transformation at Kyushu University in Japan and its potential application at UGM.
He acknowledged UGM’s existing digital services, such as SSO, UGM Hotspot, and SIMPAN UGM, but pointed out areas for further improvement, particularly in alumni services.
“At Kyushu University, alumni retain access to digital services through lifelong institutional email accounts. This could be a way to maintain strong ties with alma mater,” he suggested.
Dr. Mardhani Riasetiawan, Head of UGM’s Digital Transformation Bureau, emphasized that this forum for digital transformation development is a strategic step toward realizing a more integrated information system.
“Digital transformation is not just about technology but also about changing work culture and mindset. Collaboration between faculties and departments is essential for the successful implementation of digitalization,” Dr. Riasetiawan concluded.
Author: Bolivia Rahmawati
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang
Image: Freepik