UNS — A grand new forum is introduced by the Master Program in Indonesian Language and Literature Education, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta. For the first time, the Study Program hosted an event entitled ‘Babar Kawruh Alumni‘ (BAKAL #1) through Zoom Cloud Meetings, Saturday (1/5/2021). Dr. Djoko Sulaksono, S.Pd., M.Pd., as the Chairman of the Committee, reveals that the event invites five alumni who work as an educator in a university, school, and practitioners in the Palace as speakers for the event. The five alumni are Bagus Wahyu Setyawan, S.Pd., M.Pd. (IAIN Tulungagung), Winda Dwi Lestari, S.Pd., M.Pd. (UNS), R.M. Restu Budi Setiawan, S.Pd., M.Pd. (Cultural Practitioners in Kasunanan Palace Surakarta), Ikke Kusumawati, S.Pd., M.Pd. (Teacher in SMA N 1 Andong), and Muh. Nurul Huda, S.Pd., M.Pd. (Teacher in SMA N 4 Purwokerto).
Dr. Mardiyana, M.Si., as the Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) UNS, is attending the event for delivering an opening remark, where he appreciates the event for involving UNS alumni. “Because alumni’s role is essential for the institution development. If the institution is advanced rapidly, then it will affect the alumni. Hopefully, we can always collaborate to improve the quality of Human Resource and the institution,” Dr. Mardiyana admits.
On this occasion, Dr. Kundharu Saddhono, M.Hum., the Head of Master Program in Indonesian Language and Literature Education FKIP UNS, delivers various achievements and challenges faced by the study program. One of the achievements of the study program is the numerous international publication contribution. “The challenge is the planning process. Therefore, we provide a direct supervision course in the second semester. In the third semester, the student can already publish a research article, and in the fourth semester, students can take viva. The study program room is always packed with students who discuss their research and publication opportunities,” Dr. Kundharu explains.
On National Education Day, the event is started with material from Muh. Nurul Huda, S.Pd., M.Pd., highlights why teachers need to continue their study to Master Degree. According to him, technology advancement is greatly affecting the teacher’s profession. According to him, in the nineties, the Two-Year Diploma Program Graduates can be a teacher. However, since the establishment of Regulation No 14 of 2005, the minimum qualification for a teacher is reformed to Four Year Diploma Program or Bachelor’s Degree. One of the challenges faced by the teachers who wish to continue their studies is the time management between their study and their job. Muh. Nurul Huda states that communication between the school management and teachers becomes the best solution.
“Your intention is the most important, the will to study. InsyaAllah, there will be a way. The Master Program is not difficult, do not think that the lecturers will be difficult, and the study period will be hard. I found a collectiveness and togetherness in UNS,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ikke Kusumawati, S.Pd., M.Pd., recounts her experience as the first batch of students of the Master Program in Indonesian Language and Literature Education UNS. One memorable memory for her on the graduation day, the Study Program is yet to get its identification board. She also joined the curriculum development process for the study program. On the other hand, she is proud of the UNS because the title of UNS Alumnus becomes an added value during the Civil Servant Selection. “Thank you very much, UNS,” said Ikke. The event continues with material from other invited alumnus regarding art and culture, as well as higher education teaching. Humas UNS
Reporter: Kaffa hidayati
Editor: Dwi Hastuti