In the series of FTIS UNPAR’s 25th Anniversary, the committee published an anthology, in the form of stories from FTIS residents.
Editor’s note: This article is a speech from the deputy administrator of the foundation, Father Basilius Hendra Kimawan, OSC., L.Th. at the FTI & FTIS Anniversary Oration event.
Director of Learning, Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education, Ms. Paristiyanti Nurwardani,
Invited guests,
Rector and Senate of Parahyangan Catholic University,
Leaders of the Faculty of Technology and Technology (FTIS),
Lecturers, educational staff, students,
All distinguished guests.
Good morning and best wishes to all of you.
Today, we celebrate the silver jubilee of two twin faculties: the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FTI) and the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FTIS). Twenty-five years have passed since FTI and FTIS have crossed paths. FTI has crossed paths under the leadership of deans: the pioneering Mr. Ign. Suharto, followed by Mrs. Judy Retti, Mr. Budi Husodo, Mr. Paulus Sukapto, and now Mr. Thedy Yogasara, an alumnus of FTI Unpar, class of 1993. Meanwhile, FTIS has crossed paths under the leadership of deans: the pioneering Mr. A. Rusli, Mrs. Rosa de Lima, Mr. Dharma Lesmono, Mr. Paulus C. Tjiang, and now Mr. Ferry Jaya Permana. For this, we are deeply grateful for the journey and togetherness that has taken place in these two faculties.
The Faculty of Technology and the Faculty of Information Technology (FTIS) have demonstrated their tireless dedication to advancing education, research, and community service. Armed with vision, commitment, and courage, the pioneers of these two faculties worked hard to build a solid foundation, enabling them to navigate the ages with impressive performance. This is something for which we are truly grateful. However, evolving circumstances challenge us all as we continue our journey across the ages. The entire world is actively discussing the digital age and welcoming the “Fourth Industrial Revolution.” The industrial world is discussing the “Industry 4.0” strategy. The world of education is also discussing “Education 4.0.”
Parahyangan Catholic University, including the Faculty of Information Technology (FTI) and the Faculty of Information Technology (FTIS), was founded as a contribution to educating the nation. Amidst these developments, we all ask, “What kind of learning is more suitable for today and the future?” The Foundation’s management believes that in the dawning “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” learning to know and learning to do will increasingly become obsolete, while learning to be will become increasingly necessary. In this “now” era, communication, collaboration, critical thinking (and problem-solving), creativity (and innovation) are fundamental skills that must be accompanied by adaptability in this rapidly evolving era. All of these will certainly continue to need to be developed in dialogue with faith, ethics, and aesthetics. Not only does learning content need to be updated, but also its methods. Integrative learning—learning something holistically—, learning through projects, and online learning are some of the characteristics of “now” learning to prepare students for an increasingly cross-border, cross-sector, cross-disciplinary, and cross-functional world.
The Foundation Board welcomes the initiative of FTI and FTIS to invite the Director of Learning, Directorate General of Learning and Student Affairs, Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education, Mrs. Paristiyanti Nurwardani, to present her views on “Science and Technology Learning Strategies in Higher Education in Embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” The Foundation Board hopes that her views will be further discussed within FTI and FTIS (as well as the Faculty of Engineering, and other faculties as relevant) to update the content and learning methods so that they are more in line with current developments.
In welcoming and responding to the challenges of today’s era, universities must undertake many reforms to better prepare young people for the rapidly changing landscape. A new curriculum is currently being developed by the university. A critical question to ask is whether the curriculum truly aligns with Unpar’s identity, vision, and mission, and can address the challenges of the times. This, in turn, can help UNPAR graduates become entrepreneurs, not just job seekers but also self-employed and even employers. Likewise, research and community service must also align with our identity and be able to address the challenges of the times
The university’s duties with its tridharma are very heavy, so the Foundation Management continues to think about ensuring that the university really focuses on the tridharma, while supporting functions are managed professionally by its own units.
Thus, the Foundation Management conveyed its message on this auspicious day. Thank you to all those who have supported FTI and FTIS.
Happy birthday, FTI and FTIS. Long live. God bless.