The Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has established a partnership with the Civil Service and Human Resource Development Agency (BKPSDM) of Balikpapan City. The signing of the cooperation agreement took place at the Faculty of Psychology UGM on Wednesday (September 24).
The event was attended by Purnomo M., S.Sos., MM., Head of BKPSDM Balikpapan City; Rahmat Hidayat, S.Psi., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Psychology UGM; Pradytia Putri Pertiwi, S.Psi., Ph.D.,Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Collaboration; and Dr. Arum Febriani, S.Psi., M.A., Head of the Master of Psychology Program.
In his opening remarks, the Dean expressed his appreciation for the collaboration and emphasized the importance of synergy between higher education institutions and local governments in developing human resources.
“Alhamdulillah, the weather is bright this morning. It symbolizes the good collaboration that will continue to grow between our two institutions, both carrying out the nation’s mandate,” he said.
He added that the study leave program at the Master of Psychology (MAPSI) could serve as an entry point for collaboration in research and community service.
“In addition to higher education, the Faculty of Psychology UGM also has the obligation to fulfill the other pillars of higher education—the tridharma perguruan tinggi—which include research related to the development of scientific knowledge and human resource quality, as well as the methods, procedures, and strategies needed to optimize human potential in both professional and personal domains,” he explained.
Purnomo, Head of BKPSDM Balikpapan City, highlighted the importance of improving the quality of civil servants (Aparatur Sipil Negara or ASN) through formal education pathways. He noted that the study leave program for ASN is part of the local government’s efforts to enhance human resource capacity.
“We entrust this effort to all of you here. Our goal is to improve the quality of our human resources,” he stated.
During the event, he also introduced Tiaz Inayati Mokodenseho, a civil servant currently beginning her studies in the MAPSI program.
He further emphasized that ASN play a crucial role as role models in society, and therefore, their personal and professional qualities must be well maintained. “One of our key expectations is that civil servants should be exemplary figures—the best pioneers in addressing societal issues,” he remarked.
He expressed hope that participants of the study leave program would successfully complete their education at UGM’s Faculty of Psychology. According to him, the opportunity to pursue further education must be maximized, considering the rigorous selection process involved.
The event included the signing of the cooperation agreement, an exchange of souvenirs, and a group photo session. The occasion reaffirmed both parties’ commitment to building a sustainable model for competency development.
Writer: Erna Tri Nofiyana