The Rector of Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW), Dr.-Ing. Wiyatiningsih, S.T., M.T., along with senior university leaders, held a meeting with the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, at the Governor’s Office on September 17. The discussion focused on strengthening collaboration in education, healthcare, and disaster preparedness.
Among the key topics was UKDW’s plan to expand its second campus. With limited land available in Yogyakarta city, the university is considering expansion outside the urban area. This aligns with the local government’s push to develop higher education facilities in less central areas, aiming to ease urban congestion and promote balanced regional growth.
Challenges faced by private universities in Yogyakarta were also addressed, particularly the intense competition for student enrollment. UKDW shared feedback from the Indonesian Private Higher Education Association (APTISI) Region V, highlighting ongoing issues in the region’s private education sector.
The meeting also explored the Recognition of Prior Learning initiative, which fosters closer collaboration between universities and government. This program offers workers and professionals the chance to pursue further education based on their prior experience and skills, potentially expanding access to formal education.
Sri Sultan emphasized the vital role of technology in modernizing education. He urged UKDW to leverage technological advancements not only to optimize space but also to enhance the quality of both education and services. The Governor also encouraged collaboration with various partners to advance research and innovation.
In addition, disaster preparedness was a critical point of discussion. Given Yogyakarta’s vulnerability to natural disasters, the Governor called for stronger collaboration between UKDW and regional authorities in developing interdisciplinary disaster response protocols. This partnership is expected to boost the region’s readiness in handling future crises.
The meeting marked an important step in fostering strategic cooperation between UKDW and the regional government, with a shared commitment to advancing education, healthcare, technology, and disaster management, ensuring UKDW’s continued growth and impact on the community. [humasukdw/trans.rr]