[Unpad.ac.id, 6/02/2012] In relation to research decentralization, the Directorate General of Higher Education (Ditjen Dikti) has listed Unpad in the independent research university category with nine other public universities for having good research performance. This means that 70 percent of the total fund that Dikti has previously managed will now entirely be the responsibility of Unpad. This is to even better the performance which now has reached 24,7 % on national level.

Dikti Research Coordinator, Prof. Dr. Ir. Lili Warli, MSc (Photo: Lydia OA)*

The bits of information given in the above was from the Dikti Research Coordinator, Prof. Dr. Ir. Lili Warli, MSc., when giving a briefing on Research Instruction and Contract Signing for the year 2012 between the Research and Community Service Center (LPPM) and Unpad lecturer-researchers in Bale Sawala, Unpad Rectorate Building in Jatinangor on Monday (06/02). Present in the event were the rector, the head of LPPM, Prof. Oekan S. Abdoellh, M.A., PhD., deans, lecturers, and researchers in Unpad.

This becomes Unpad’s own pride since to be categorized as independent research university, a university must have a good research performance. At the same time, it has also become a challenge for Unpad to maintain the title and avoid lower rank. In addition to research decentralization, it is expected that Unpad has advanced quality and research competitiveness with other universities. According to Prof. Lili, the spirit of decentralization should be considered as encouragement to improve both the quality and quantity of research so that, apart from academic impact, the research can be more applicable for the society. Lecturers and researchers are the main actors.

“Research paradigm nees changing. We now not only focuses on academic impact but also social impact for the society by means of Intellectual Property Rights, publications, and prototype model. We can clearly see what the vocational high school students have invented. It is a challenge for us,” said he.

Research decentralization is basically the gradual handing in of responsibility and research management to the universities. The purpose of this process is to create research advantage, increase university competitivenes in doing research, and improve the participations of lecturers in research, and also better the research development capacity in universities.

“It is now almost 76 percent of the total budget. The amount will graduatlly increase. We have targeted that in 2014 the budget would reach IDR 4 billion. Decentralization is expected to create better results,” added he.

In implementing this new policy, Dikti via Research Directorate and Community Service (DP2M) will be assisted by research bodies in every university. LPPM Unpad, in this case, will be the agency that has the authority in organizing research in Unpad, particularly in funding.

“The idea is basically to improve our capability of doing quality research. We now have been categorized as independent. We have to figure out strategies in maintaining it,” said Prof. Oekan when interviewed after the event.

Report by: Malikkul Shaleh |  |  | eh*

[Unpad.ac.id, 6/02/2012] This year, Unpad is sending delegates to Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN). The 58th HNMUN will be held in Boston, USA, on February 16-19, 2012. Around 3000 participants from universities all over the world will take part in the event.

Unpad delegates for HNMUN taking picture with the rector and vice rector III *

The twenty students who are to participate in HNMUN 2012 are Dimas Aditya Hanandito (Facutly of Economics and Business-FEB), Brata Kusuma Santoso   (FEB), Asyraf Firas Abdurrasyid (FEB), Gina Soraya (FEB), Nur Fitri Aprillia (FEB), Desak Putu Kutha W. (FEB),  Silmy Kamila (FEB), Utari Padmakusuma (FEB), Muhammad Randi A. (FEB), Fuad Bismar Ibrahim (FEB), Muhammad Ali Akbar (FEB), Muhammad Adam Faisal (FEB), Harry Sugama (FEB), Puji Astiningsih (FEB), Gema Paramesti (Faculty of Dentistry-FKG), Ika Novita (Faculty of Law-FH), Dina Hidayana (Faculty of Sosical and Political Sciences-FISIP), Anie Londa (FH), Ruth Putryani S. (Faculty of Communication Science -Fikom), Maryska Mayagita (Faculty of Arts-Fasa).

This is actually the seventh time that Unpad sends its delegates to HNMUN. They are to represent Romania and are going to be in various committees under the UN General Assembly, namely Disarmament and International Security (DISEC), Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM), hingga Non-Governmental Organizations, seperti IMF, WHO dan UNICEF.

“In this event, we are going to represent Romania. We are to discuss, debate, and lobby other foreign students representing different countries. This is the most prestigious MUN among others,” said Dina when interviewed at Unpad Public Relation office, Rectorate Building 1st floor, Unpad campus in Jatinangor on Monday (6/02).

In HNMUN, all delegates will discuss various global issues, to name but a few issues on international peace and security, economy, social development, and human rights. It is expected that HNMUN will provide solution to overcome the aforementioned issues, which will accordingly be recommended for use in the real UN conference.

Preparation has been made optimally for the past six months. They rehearsed the simulation session with other team members. They improved their skills and technique in debating, discussing, and lobbying. “We are doing thorough research so that we would have enough reference materials to be discussed later,” said Dina.

The students would benefit so much from the event. Adam, for example, who claimed that he could gain valuable knowledge. “The event gives me the opportunities to develop myself, concentrate, and do proper research. Most importantly, I would learn how to do proper public speaking,” said Adam, a student from the class of 2008 at the accounting department.

In addition, the students have high hope that they would make various achievements. “We are aiming at best delegate or outstanding delegate. In addition, the experience and knowledge we would gain would enable us to be more knowlegdeable,” said Dina. *

Report by Artanti Hendriyana |  |  | eh*

[Unpad.ac.id, 2/03/2012] As the graduation ceremony is coming near, we accordingly upload the list of lodging around Unpad campuses in Bandung and Jatinangor. In addition, we would like to emphasize that Unpad has no affiliation whatsoever the lodgings listed in the table.

Click here.

Prof. Emil Salim delivering his speech in EAAERE 2011 Congress in Unpad Campus (Photo: Tedi Yusup).

The event has been officially opened by the Dean of Faculty of Economics and Business, Prof. Ernie Tisnawati Sule,  in Grha Sanusi Hardjadinata, Unpad Campus, on Friday (03/02). Opening speeches were from President of EAAERE, Prof. Kazuhiro Ueta, former Minister of Environment of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Emil Salim, environmental economist, Prof. Thomas Sterner from Gothenburg University, Sweden, and Dr. Arief Anshory Yusuf, the head of the organizing committee of EAAERE 2012. The participants are researchers, professionals, policy makers, and international organizations delegations.

When giving the keynote speech, Prof. Emil argues that sustainable development has been promoted since decades ago but finds a dead end or fails. This was due to the fact that it was still oriented on economic without social environmental perspectives in practice.

“Why is it so difficult to integrate? It is apparently because the objective is divided into many sectors both in global level and national level. Each sector has its own interest without any consideration on social and environmental contexts,” says he.

In his opinion, the fact that EAAERE 2012 is now on the run is the right moment to seriously and critically evaluate present development in order to get a big picture of how to make a little change in the future.

“This moment covers more than a congress. We are going to set a new direction of sustainable development here. We share a common hope. I see the opportunity of achieving sustainable development here,” says he.

The head of organizing committee of EAAERE 2012, Arief Anshory, shows similar expectation. He has hopes that the event will help Indonesian people, particularly economist, to change their economic-centric perspective to the very perspective that considers social and environmental aspects in determining development goals.

“Green economy has been much promoted. But is it an unrealistic vigor? The fact shows that sustainable development is far from being successful. We have to revitalize our economic perspective by putting social and environmental aspects into it,” said he.

For the next two days, until Saturday (2/4), hundreds of participants are going to discuss their pieces of research on major issues, such as climate change, development and environment, food and agriculture, government, land and water, mining and energy, policy instruments, pollution and recycling, and renewable energy.*

Report by: Malikkul Shaleh | | | eh*

Unpad Rector (right) and UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Rector holding the letter of MoU (Photo: Tedi Yusup)

“Thank you for your warm welcome. I hope this cooperation would be developed in order to bring goodness and benefits for both parties,” said Prof. Deddy. On the occasion, he wished that Unpad and UIN SGD could cooperate in various aspects, to name but a few research, department development, professor exchange, and student activities.

The MoU signing was attended by the Unpad Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Husein Hernadi Bahti, Unpad Director of Cooperation, Ramdam Panigoro, MD., M.Sc., Ph.D., Unpad Director of Human Resources Development, Handato, S.TP., M.Agr., Ph.D., and several Unpad Deans and Vice Deans.  As for the representatives from UIN SGD, the Vice Rectors and his staff were present to witness the MoU signing.

The rector of Unpad, Prof. Ganjar Kurnia, extended his gratitude for good cooperation that UIN SGD had been showing. “Insha Allah we will do better. I happily welcome this MoU signing. There are a lot of things we can do together. At the very least, we can hold a joint discussion,” said Prof. Ganjar.

Furthermore, the rector added that Unpad is currently working on measurable competence-based curriculum. It is expected that this revolutionary move can eventually result in both students and graduates that have strong competence. The MoU is also expected to give room for the graduates to have better understanding when practicing their beliefs. “Insha Allah, this will give benefits. We wish for more competent graduates,” said he.

Report by: Artanti Hendriyana |  |  | eh*

Unpad delegates for London International Model United Nations in London, England *

The Unpad delegates are Muhammad Hidayat (Faculty of Law), Elizabeth Arden M. (Faculty of Law), Christo Simamora (Faculty of Law), Dyah Ayu Arianti (Faculty of Law), Epafras Sitepu (Faculty of Law), Ester Evasolina (Faculty of Law), Rizkita Widya M (Faculty of Law),  Mizaro Alfsyar (Faculty of Economics and Business), Yugo Dwi Sampurno (Faculty of Economics and Business), Grace Maria (Faculty of Arts), Hanny Rosyida Arisna (Faculty of Medicine), and Majma Albahraini (Faculty of Social and Political Sciences).

When Interviewed at UPT Humas office, Unpad Rectorate Building, Jatinangor campus, on Thursday (02/02), Majma stated that all Unpad delegates have made many preparations. For three months, they have been rehearsing the UN Assembly simulations, such as the practice of negotiations and  public speaking. “Insha Allah, we are ready. Now, we are making preparations prior for our departures,” said Majma.

In LIMUN, they will represent different countries and committees, as previously determined by the organizing committee. Majma, Ester, Hanny, Ayu, Mizaro, Yugo, Hidayat, and Grace will act as “delegates” for the Netherlands, Rizkita and Christo for Cyprus, Elizabeth for Nigeria, and Epafras for Algeria.

“We will somehow act as delegates of certain countries, discussing international issues depending on committees. We will learn about negotiations and diplomacy, and in the end of the conference, participants will form several resolutions to solve those issues,” said Majma. With her involvement in this event, Majma hoped to gain knowledge and valuable experience.

This is the first time that Unpad is to send delegates for LIMUN. Previously, Unpad students participated in events similar to LIMUN, such as Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN), World Model United Nations (WMUN), and Global Model United Nations (GMUN). Majma argued that LIMUN was one prestigious event that students should take part and expected that the delegates could perform their best.

Majma would like to have all students and faculty members wish the delegates all the best of lucks as encouragement for the delegates in LIMUN 2012. “We certainly hope for the best. We also want to get some awards there. We will represent Unpad and Indonesia in the best way,” stated Majma, students from Department of International Relations, class of 2011.*

Report by: Artanti Hendriyana | eh* | translated by aad

The head of Public Relation Unit Unpad, Weny Widyowati, when giving presentation on Unpad before the Madania School students in Bogor(Photo: Purnomo Sidik)*

A few months earlier, according to Wuri, the students had been asked to participate in a survey about the universities that they would like to be admitted to. “The survey shows some universities that they would like to go to. Accordingly, we have been inviting those universities to give presentation in our school,” said she.

The visit was expected to give complete explanation on study programs, entrance examination, tuition and fees, and how the academic life in college runs. “But the main thing is more on study programs for the students could gain better knowledge on what to study,” said Wuri.

The head of Unpad public relation unit, Weny Widyowati, S.Sos., M.Si., stated that Unpad warmly welcomed the invitation. “It is of course very much appreciated since the internal survey shows that Unpad ranks in the top of mind of the students at SMA Madania. Our coming here is mainly to give clear explanation about our study programs which the students can make of as choice alternative when taking SNMPTN 2012,” said she.

As many as 71 students and parents participated in the event. They were very enthusiastic when hearing Weny’s explanation about Unpad. Weny began with the history of Unpad, its faculties and study programs. Furthermore she continued with the explanation on campuses both in Dipati Ukur and Jatinangor, the number of students that Unpad has, faculty members, facilities, and achievements that Unpad has made as well as entrance procedures.

Various questions were raised; mostly on study programs, tuition and fees, and facilities they could use once they were enrolled in Unpad. “Why is it that the cost is so high? I also heard about the dorms that students could use for one year,” asked Naviri who claimed to be interested in going to Faculty of Arts.

Weny explained that the tuition and fees in Unpad was considered less expensive when compared to supposedly paid cost unit in any other higher institutions. For instance, in social sciences departments, higher institution cost unit is approximately around IDR 16 million per year, whereas in Unpad it only costs IDR 4 million per year. As for entrance costs, new students have to pay for tuition (BPP) IDR 2 million, in addition to Development Fee (DP) IDR 4 million for students who pass the national entrance examination. For local entrance examination organized by the university, Unpad sets different range of fees for different study programs.

The enthusiasm was evident not only during the event but also afterward. Some students and parents asked Weny directly. They wanted to know more about the study programs, tuition and fees, and strategy when choosing the desired study programs.

Two parents, for example, Happy Adrianti and Ita Atmayanti, stated that their children really wanted to be admitted to the faculty of Arts, which is in accordance with the students’ interest in faculty of arts as an alternative to faculty of medicine.

“The explanation was very thorough; our children now know better which study program to choose. We also know better about the costs and strategy we should use,” said Happy when interviewed after the event.

As for Natasha Anindya, Larissa Amira, and Rara Indria, three 12^th graders concentrating on social sciences, argued that the visit had provided them with complete information. “We now know better about Unpad. We were quite unsure when hearing information about Unpad from others,” said Natasha.

Report by: Artanti Hendriyana |  |  | eh*

To see pictures from the event, click the following link.

[Show as slideshow]

Date: February 2-4, 2012
Time: 8.00 WIB
Venue: Grha Sanusi Hardjadinata, Unpad campus, Jln. Dipati Ukur No. 35 Bandung

Unpad Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) proudly presents The 2nd Congress of East Asian Association of Environmental and Resource Economics (EAAERE 2012).  This event will be held at Grha Sanusi Hardjadinata, Unpad campus, Jln. Dipati Ukur No. 35 Bandung on February 2-4, 2012.

All programs in this congress will discuss all environmental issues and matters concerning environmental economy and natural resources. There will be approximately 200 participants from East Asia region in this event, comprising of researchers, professionals, policy makers, and representatives from international organizations

For further information, please visit www.eaaere2012.org

Date: January 31–February 1, 2012
Time:
Venue: Balai Kartini Convention Center, Jln. Jenderal Gatot Subroto Kav. 37, Jakarta

MDGs National Festival invites the nation’s best young people to share your creative and innovative experiences to enhance MDGs achievements in the sectors of mother and children health, nutrition, HIV /AIDS, TBC, malaria, and other infectious disease, as well as water and sanitation. The sectors are parts of MDGs targets which require extra efforts to achieve in 2015.

This event will present 10 public motivators and 12 best practitioners in international, national, and regional levels, who have made positive contributions in achieving MDGs. This event will be held at Balai Kartini Convention Center, Jln. Jenderal Gatot Subroto Kav. 37, Jakarta, on January 31 – February 1, 2012.