In an effort to enhance academic quality and study program governance, the Quality Assurance Team (GKM) of the Microbiology Study Program, Faculty of Biology, Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed), conducted a benchmarking visit to the Agricultural Microbiology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
The event took place in the Microbiology Library Room, 4th Floor of the AGLC Building, Faculty of Agriculture UGM, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM WIB, and was attended by lecturers and leadership representatives from both institutions.
The delegation from Unsoed was led by Dr. Sri Martina Wiraswati, Coordinator of the Undergraduate Microbiology Program, Faculty of Biology, Unsoed, accompanied by:
- Prof. Dr. Dini Ryandini, M.Si. – Head of the GKM Team for the Microbiology Program
- Dr. Ratna Stia Dewi, M.Sc. – Secretary of the GKM Team for the Microbiology Program
- Dr. Rizal Khoirun Alfisah, M.Si. – Secretary of the Accreditation Team for the Microbiology Program
From the host institution, attendees included the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, as well as faculty members from the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, including:
- Prof. Ir. Donny Widianto, Ph.D. – Head of the Department of Agricultural Microbiology
- Ir. Ngadiman, M.P., Ph.D. – Head of the Agricultural Microbiology Study Program
- Prof. Ir. Triwibowo Yuwono, Ph.D.
- Prof. Ir. Irfan Dwidya Prijambada, M.Eng., Ph.D.
- Ir. Jaka Widada, M.P., Ph.D.
- Muhammad Saifur Rohman, S.P., M.Si., M.Eng., Ph.D.
- Desi Utami, S.P., M.Env.Sc., Ph.D.
- Nur Akbar Arofatullah, S.P., M.Biotech., Ph.D.
- Ahmad Suparmin, S.P., M.Agr., Ph.D.
- Susanti Mugi Lestari, S.P., M.Si., Ph.D.
- Agung Dian Kharisma, S.Pd.Si., M.Biotech., Ph.D.
- Yumechris Amekan, S.Si., M.Biotech., Ph.D.
This benchmarking activity focused on discussions and exchange of information regarding strategies for improving study program quality, the implementation of internal quality assurance systems, and preparations for both national and international accreditation. Both parties also engaged in discussions about curriculum development, learning systems, student involvement in research, and laboratory development cooperation.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Sri Martina Wiraswati stated that the visit aimed to learn from the best practices implemented by the Agricultural Microbiology Study Program at UGM, particularly in academic management, learning outcome improvements, and sustainable quality management.
Meanwhile, the Faculty of Agriculture UGM warmly welcomed the Unsoed team and expressed hope that this activity would mark the beginning of broader collaboration in education, research, and community service.
Through this benchmarking initiative, both institutions are expected to enrich their experiences and enhance the quality of microbiology higher education in Indonesia. This event also aligns with the Faculty of Agriculture’s commitment to achieving the global goals of SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Writer: Roihana Ifa Kamalia