Universitas KristenDuta Wacana (UKDW) in Yogyakarta hosted a significant visit on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, as it welcomed a delegation from Institut Agama Kristen Negeri (IAKN) Tarutung, North Sumatra. The meeting, held in the Rev. Dr. Tasdik Seminar Room at UKDW, aimed to deepen collaboration between the two higher education institutions.
The highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Rector of UKDW Yogyakarta and the Rector of IAKN Ambon, marking a landmark agreement between the two esteemed educational institutions. Alongside the MoU, several other agreements were inked, including a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Dean of the Faculty of Theology at UKDW Yogyakarta and the Dean of the Faculty of Christian Education Sciences at IAKN Tarutung, as well as the Dean of the Faculty of Theology at IAKN Tarutung. Furthermore, an MoA was signed between the Head of the Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM) at UKDW Yogyakarta and the Head of LPPM at IAKN Tarutung, highlighting the comprehensive nature of this collaboration.
Dr.-Ing. Wiyatiningsih, S.T., M.T., the Rector of UKDW, expressed enthusiasm for this partnership, emphasizing UKDW’s commitment to supporting IAKN Tarutung in its journey toward becoming a university. “UKDW’s multidisciplinary study centers foster a culture of collaboration that extends across disciplines and faculties, creating fertile ground for meaningful cooperation,” she remarked.
In response, Prof. Albiner Siagian, M.Si., the Rector of IAKN Tarutung, reflected on the transformative journey ahead for his institution. He mentioned a recent event where IAKN Tarutung invited the Head of LPPM UKDW as a speaker, showcasing their ongoing efforts toward transformation into a state Christian university. “Among Indonesia’s seven state Christian religious higher education institutions, we stand as the oldest. This collaboration is a crucial step in fulfilling the prerequisites for university status,” he stated.
The MoU and MoA signing ceremony witnessed the presence of key figures from both institutions, including senior officials, academic leaders, and representatives from various departments and centers. This collaborative endeavor sets a strong foundation for future initiatives and underscores the shared commitment of UKDW and IAKN Tarutung toward academic excellence and institutional development. [humasukdw/trans.drr]