UNPAR.AC.ID, Bandung – The Parahyangan Catholic University Foundation officially appointed Prof. Tri Basuki Joewono, Ph.D., as the Rector of UNPAR for the term 2023-2027, on Saturday (July 1, 2023) at the Arntz-Geise Learning Center Auditorium (PPAG) UNPAR. Upholding the development principle “From Great to Greater and Stronger” during his leadership, Prof. Tri Basuki replaces Mangadar Situmorang, Ph.D., who completed his term as Rector from 2015-2019 and 2019-2023.
The inauguration of Rector Prof. Tri Basuki was led by the Chairman of the UNPAR Foundation, Pst. Hendra Kimawan, OSC., L.Th. The Rector’s Oath was accompanied by the Bishop of Bandung Diocese Mgr. Antonius Subianto Bunjamin; Bishop of Purwokerto Mgr. Christophorus Tri Harsono; Pst. Hendra Kimawan, OSC., L.Th.; and Pst. Yohannes Driyanto, Pr. Meanwhile, the Foundation’s Decree was read by the Secretary of the Foundation Board Prof. Hendra Gunawan, Ph.D.
Additionally, the inauguration of the Vice Rectors and the University Secretary for the 2023-2027 term followed. Those appointed include Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs Dr. Henky Muljana, S.T., M.Eng.; Vice Rector for Finance, Resources, and Organization Gery Lusanjaya, S.E., M.T.; Vice Rector for Cooperation, Alumni, Innovation, and Business Ir. Catharina Badra Nawangpalupi, Ph.D.; and University Secretary Sylvia Yazid, S.IP., MPPM., Ph.D.
Pst. Hendra Kimawan stated that since 1955 until June 30, 2023, UNPAR has been led by 10 Rectors in succession. Prof. Tri Basuki is the eleventh rector to lead UNPAR over the next four years.
Pst. Hendra also expressed hopes for UNPAR in this new leadership era. UNPAR now faces global challenges, including rapid technological advancements, unavoidable digitalization, and being surrounded by artificial intelligence (AI). In addressing the challenges of the times, we must return to the guiding principle of UNPAR, Bakuning Hyang Mrih Guna Santjaya Bhakti, along with the spirituality and core values of UNPAR as a compass for the UNPAR academic community.
“The foundation’s board certainly hopes and prays that Prof. Tri Basuki and the Rectorate team are granted physical and spiritual health, enthusiasm, and joy in leading and serving UNPAR. The foundation’s board also continues to seek prayers, support, and assistance so that under Prof. Tri Basuki’s leadership, UNPAR can continue its journey through an ever-changing era with new challenges,” said Pst. Hendra.
The Head of LLDIKTI Region IV West Java and Banten Dr. M. Samsuri, S.Pd., M.T. also expressed his hopes that UNPAR during Prof. Tri Basuki’s leadership would continue to be an institution that nurtures the development of civilization.
“The challenge is how to ensure that UNPAR can remain relevant and even leap forward as a leading institution in promoting civilization in line with the dynamics of the times. Additionally, how to continuously improve institutional performance on an international scale,” he stated.
Dr. Samsuri outlined four points for Prof. Tri Basuki to enhance UNPAR’s academic culture, which has been well-maintained:
- Focus on quality.
- Pay attention to relevance; the development of industry and human civilization continues to evolve. Higher education must be adaptive to the times and relevant to societal needs. The curriculum and learning systems must adapt to contemporary developments.
- Remain productive in terms of producing quality graduates, advancing knowledge, and increasing community service.
- Increase access to encourage the improvement of the Gross Enrolment Rate (GER). When UNPAR achieves these three aspects, it is time to increase access for the community, not just in West Java but throughout Indonesia.
Meanwhile, Prof. Tri Basuki delivered his inaugural speech as Rector of UNPAR for 2023-2027. The long journey of UNPAR has not occurred in a sterile space and time; rather, its progress and sustainability have been influenced and supported by various institutions, agencies, industries, organizations, governments at various levels, and including alumni.
“The interaction between higher education institutions and the real world is not only beneficial for developing scientific strength and contributing to the advancement of civilization but also crucial for ensuring sustainability. Sustainability should not only be understood as surviving but also as evolving to become larger and stronger. The interaction and business processes of higher education need to be directed toward a new framework, namely the Enterprise Research Campus (ERC),” he explained.
Furthermore, to address future challenges, manage current activities and programs, innovate resource management, and open up opportunities for institutional development, UNPAR requires a new organization and governance that supports these goals. Leadership in this era serves to orchestrate all available resources and guide the organization towards achieving its vision.
The development principle “From Great to Greater and Stronger” is based on the leadership cycle principle in this era. Sustainability is determined by the impact generated as a result of how meaningful the organization’s work is. To be meaningful, institutional strengthening requires collaboration, transformation, and data-driven intelligence.
“Institutional significance requires innovation to create impact. For the institution to have an impact, agility and adaptation are essential for sustainability,” the Rector asserted.
To achieve this, structural changes are necessary, particularly by strengthening departmental units. Departments, as Study Program Management Units, play a crucial role in transforming higher education. Department heads are not only responsible for managing faculty resources and learning but are also challenged to be prepared as leaders.
Supporting functions are necessary to address challenges, drive organizational dynamics, and optimize performance. Interaction between departmental units and supporting functions will be connected through the principle of SADA (centralized administration and decentralized academia).
“The 2023-2027 Rectorate term begins today and will last for the next four years. During this period, the work of the Rectorate and its entire team will be guided by a Work Plan that will subsequently become the Strategic Plan 2023-2027 or the Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJM) 2023-2027 after being approved by the UNPAR Foundation Board. With an understanding of the current situation and developments, the Work Plan for the 2023-2027 Rectorate has been formulated,” he stated.
The main programs of UNPAR 2040 are then detailed into a series of targets/indicators, comprising 16 Academic Indicators (IAK) and 10 Organizational Indicators (IOR). Based on these main programs and indicators, the 2023-2027 Rectorate has set achievement targets for 2027.
In particular, several programs to achieve Greater UNPAR include:
- Opening New Study Programs,
- Developing the Enterprise Research Campus,
- Establishing UNPAR HUB and conducting strategic studies, and
- Implementing UNPAR Rebranding.
Meanwhile, the main programs to realize Stronger UNPAR include:
- Strengthening Departments,
- Conducting Superior Research and Innovation,
- Developing a Smart Campus, and
- Optimizing Resources and Organization.
“The history segment of UNPAR 2023-2027 is the result and continuation of the UNPAR Rectorate period 2019-2023. On this important occasion, we would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Foundation, University Leaders, Unit Leaders, and all parties involved in the journey of UNPAR 2019-2023. Many commendable achievements have taken place, some initiatives need to be continued and developed, while others require special consideration and treatment,” said the Rector. (JES/KTH-Humas UNPAR)
