Yogyakarta, July 5, 2025 — In a spirit of strengthening national synergy towards an innovative and globally competitive transformation of higher education, Universitas PGRI Yogyakarta (UPY), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek), the Higher Education Service Institute (LLDIKTI) Region V, and ICCCM/ITEA, hosted a Public Dialogue titled: “Synergy in Higher Education for Innovation, Downstreaming, and Global Collaboration.”
Held at UPY’s campus, this strategic event brought together 101 private universities (PTS) from the Special Region of Yogyakarta, along with PGRI-affiliated universities from various regions across Indonesia. The event served as a collaborative platform to respond to the new direction of higher education and national research policies for the 2024–2029 period, aiming to build a more adaptive and globally connected higher education ecosystem.
The dialogue began in a festive atmosphere with traditional dance performances and the singing of the national anthem, Indonesia Raya. A strong sense of nationalism and unity filled the room, further emphasized by opening remarks from the Rector of UPY, the President Director of ICCCM/ITEA, and a representative of LLDIKTI Region V, who all delivered speeches with a spirit of collaboration.
The event was also graced by several distinguished guests from national and international institutions. Indra Ni Tua, S.T., M.Comm., Head of the Bureau of Planning and Cooperation at Kemendiktisaintek, joined by Ms. Loo Hui Ann, Managing Director of ICCCM/ITEA, Dr. Wahyudi, M.Ed. from SEAMEO SEAMOLEC, and Dr. Asep Nurhikmat from the Indonesian Student Association (PPI) in Yogyakarta, attended as honorary guests alongside UPY’s academic leaders and foundation representatives.
One of the key moments of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between LLDIKTI Region V and ICCCM/ITEA. This MoU symbolizes a shared commitment to strengthening international cooperation networks in research and higher education, opening new opportunities for institutions under LLDIKTI V to engage more actively in cross-border collaborations.
During the panel sessions, speakers shared strategic insights on the future direction of higher education, research downstreaming, international program opportunities, and the strengthening of digital collaboration. Their perspectives highlighted the urgency of transforming higher education through innovation and mutually empowering partnerships, both nationally and globally. Academic mobility, cultural diplomacy, and collaborative research with the Indonesian diaspora were also key focal points of the discussion.
Through this event, LLDIKTI Region V reaffirmed its vision for private universities within its jurisdiction to become the driving force behind transformative education—rooted in innovation, connected to industry, and open to global collaboration. Tego Sudarto, S.E., M.M., Head of General Affairs at LLDIKTI V, emphasized that private universities are expected not only to adapt to changes in national policy but also to proactively forge partnerships, strengthen research capacity, and open new avenues for cross-border cooperation.
In his remarks, Prof. Paiman, Rector of UPY, expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in UPY to host this nationally significant event. He reaffirmed UPY’s commitment to being an active contributor in the inclusive, relevant, and impactful transformation of Indonesia’s higher education landscape.
This Public Dialogue was more than just a forum for discussion—it marked a pivotal moment in the effort to build a stronger, more connected higher education ecosystem in Indonesia that is ready to take an active role on the global stage.