Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) Yogyakarta conducted a benchmarking visit to Surabaya from August 5 to August 7, 2024. The visit aimed to enhance the university’s management and broaden its perspective by studying best practices at several leading institutions in the city, including Petra Christian University, University of Surabaya (UBAYA), UBAYA Hospital, and Ciputra University. The delegation also visited the Tribun Jatim office to develop media relationships and strengthen partnerships.
The UKDW team, comprising members from various university departments and units, explored key topics such as human resource management, HR information systems, long-term fundraising strategies, and institutional development. They also examined the role of public relations in building institutional reputation, entrepreneurship development for fostering innovation and student independence, and academic hospital management as a model for UKDW’s own development.
The delegation was warmly received by leaders from the host institutions. The leaders of Petra Christian University, University of Surabaya, UBAYA Hospital, and Ciputra University offered welcoming and open receptions, which not only enriched the visit but also strengthened existing partnerships. This warm hospitality underscored a shared commitment to collaboration and mutual support among educational institutions.
The UKDW delegation included the Rector, Vice Rector for Finance and Asset Development, Vice Rector for Human Resource Capacity Building, Promotion and Partnership, Human Resource Department, Office of partnerships and Public Relations, Institutional Advancement and Development Office, Centre of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CENTRINO), Office of Admissions and Promotion, and the Campus Information Service and Intranet Unit (PUSPINDIKA). This diverse group ensured comprehensive exploration of critical university management and development aspects.
Rev. Dr. Wahju Satria Wibowo, Vice Rector for Human Resource Capacity Building, Promotion, and Partnership, commented, “This benchmarking visit is a strategic initiative to continually improve UKDW’s quality and competitiveness. By learning from top institutions in Surabaya, we aim to implement significant innovations and enhancements in our academic and management practices. We are eager to apply the new insights gained from this visit.”
In conjunction with the benchmarking visit, UKDW also hosted an alumni gathering in Surabaya on August 6, 2024, at Mahameru Restaurant. The event, attended by about 40 alumni from the region, provided an opportunity to celebrate, share experiences, strengthen the alumni network, and reinforce connections between alumni and the university.
The visit aimed to offer valuable insights and inspiration for further development at UKDW. [penta/trans.drr]