Depok-The Universitas Indonesia (UI) Vocational Education Program held a “Rector Greet” event on July 18, 2025, an open dialogue forum bringing together UI leaders and the UI Vocational academic community. This event served as a strategic opportunity to strengthen institutional synergy and explore the aspirations and challenges faced in developing vocational education within UI. The event, held in the Vocational Auditorium, was attended by lecturers, education staff, and students.
Present at this activity, the Rector of the Universitas Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU, accompanied by a complete line of Vice Rectors and Heads of Bodies, namely Prof. Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D (Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs); Ahmad Gamal S.Ars., M.Si., MUP., Ph.D (Vice Rector for Planning, Finance, and Resources); Prof. Dr. Hamdi Muluk, M.Si. (Vice Rector for Research and Innovation); Prof. Agus Setiawan, S.Kp., M.N., D.N. (Vice Rector for Infrastructure and Facilities); Dr. drg. Nia Ayu Ismaniati, MDSc., Sp.Ort(K)., Subsp.D.D.T.K. (Head of the Cooperation and Entrepreneurship Body); and Prof. Dr. Rizal E. Halim S.E., M.E. (Head of the Quality Assurance and Internal Supervision Body). The event opened with remarks by the Director of the UI Vocational Education Program, Padang Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D, who emphasized the importance of this forum as a forum for discussion between university leaders and the UI Vocational academic community.
(Photo: Director of UI Vocational Education Program, Padang Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D, while giving a speech at the event)
“Through this forum, we hope to foster constructive and open communication. UI Vocational have unique characteristics and challenges, requiring the direct involvement of university leaders to formulate joint strategic steps,” Padang said.
Next, Prof. Heri shared his views on the vital role of vocational education in Indonesia’s higher education ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of orientation to industry needs, curriculum relevance, and cross-sector collaboration so that UI Vocational graduates are able to meet the challenges of the ever-evolving world of work. “In addition, UI Vocational’s contribution is very important, both in terms of human resource development and long-term financial potential. We see a significant opportunity for UI Vocational to support the UI endowment fund, for example through collaboration with industry, training programs, and a professionally managed teaching factory,” said Prof. Heri.
(Photo: Rector of the Universitas Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU, delivering remarks and presentation at the UI Vocational Rector Greets Event)
The interactive dialogue session between university leaders and the UI Vocational academic community was held. Various strategic issues emerged during the forum, including the contribution of UI Vocational to UI’s ranking and the management of the university’s endowment fund, the educational funding scheme for children of UI Vocational academic staffs, the university’s policy on supporting students with special needs or those experiencing psychological problems, and the urgency and relevance of the diploma level in meeting the current human resource needs of the business and industry world.
(Photo: UI leaders and the UI Vocational Director during a dialogue and discussion session with the academic community)
UI leaders enthusiastically and openly answered questions submitted by the UI Vocational academic community. They also emphasized that the aspirations conveyed would be taken into consideration in the university’s strategic policymaking going forward. Prof. Heri added, “These various issues are part of UI’s ongoing evaluation and improvement. We want to ensure that every UI member, including the Vocational Program, plays a significant role in supporting the university’s overall progress.”
(Photo: Group photo after the UI Vocational Rector Greets Students event)
In the final session of the event, the Rector presented awards to the three best questioners: academic staff, Widyosuwasto, S.Sos. and Rudy Wahjudi, S.Si., and student, Alya Sevira Ananda. The event, attended by more than 200 UI Vocational academics community, reflected UI’s commitment to building an open dialogue space with all elements under its auspices. The Rector Greets is not merely a ceremonial forum, but a real platform for gathering aspirations, explaining policies, and formulating a shared, adaptive future for vocational education in Indonesia.
