DENPASAR – The 61st-anniversary celebration of the Faculty of Engineering Family Association (BKFT) at Udayana University (Unud) served not only as a moment to strengthen bonds within the Faculty of Engineering community but also as a platform to reaffirm the faculty’s contribution to supporting Udayana University’s transformation into a State University with Legal Entity status (PTN-BH).
Embodying the spirit of togetherness, innovation, and collaboration, the 61st BKFT series featured various activities bringing together academic staff, students, educational support staff, alumni, and strategic partners. This occasion was part of the Faculty of Engineering’s efforts to strengthen a higher education ecosystem that is adaptive to technological advancements while remaining increasingly relevant to the needs of society and the workforce.
The peak of the 61st BKFT celebration took place in the open area in front of the Agrocomplex Building at the Sudirman Campus, Denpasar. The event was attended by the Rector of Udayana University, Prof. Ir. I Ketut Sudarsana, S.T., Ph.D.; members of the University Senate; Vice Rectors; the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Ir. Linawati, M.Eng.Sc., Ph.D., and her leadership team; deans and directors from across the university; and various strategic partners, including representatives from the banking sector such as BPD Bali and BNI.
The Chairperson of the 61st BKFT Organizing Committee, Dr. Eng. Ir. I Wayan Kastawan, S.T., M.A., stated that this year’s series of activities was designed not merely as a social gathering for the faculty family, but also as a space to showcase and disseminate the Faculty of Engineering’s potential.
According to him, the involvement of lecturers, educational support staff, and students in these various activities plays a crucial role in building a creative academic culture and strengthening the identity of the Faculty of Engineering. “The series of events for the 61st Anniversary of the Faculty of Engineering (BKFT) serves not only as a platform for fostering connections but also as a showcase for creativity—featuring cultural performances, Tech Talks, and Tech Pods—to introduce the Faculty of Engineering’s potential and achievements to the wider community,” said Wayan Kastawan.
The Tech Talk and Tech Pods initiatives represent the Faculty of Engineering’s approach to bringing innovation and academic excellence closer to the public. This simultaneously reinforces the faculty’s role within the Udayana University ecosystem in generating and communicating knowledge that delivers tangible benefits.
The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Udayana University (Unud), Prof. Ir. Linawati, M.Eng.Sc., Ph.D., emphasized that the faculty’s future development focuses not only on strengthening academic quality but also on enhancing competitiveness and expanding international networks.
One indicator of this progress is the Faculty of Engineering becoming increasingly open to international students; currently, there are 40 international students pursuing their education at the faculty.
“There are 40 international students at the Faculty of Engineering. The presence of foreign students is crucial for increasing international exposure,” stated Prof. Linawati.
According to her, the presence of international students adds value to the academic environment by fostering cross-cultural interaction and creating opportunities to strengthen global academic networks. This also aligns with the Faculty of Engineering’s efforts to boost Udayana University’s visibility and competitiveness on the international stage.
The Rector of Udayana University, Prof. Ir. I Ketut Sudarsana, S.T., Ph.D., commended the Faculty of Engineering’s achievements and highlighted the importance of the faculty’s contribution to Udayana University’s transformation agenda as a State University with Legal Entity status (PTN-BH).
According to the Rector, PTN-BH status provides universities with greater flexibility to foster innovation, strengthen governance, build strategic partnerships, and generate breakthroughs that create added value for both the institution and society.
In this context, the Faculty of Engineering holds a strategic position, particularly in the development of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields—a crucial foundation for navigating technological shifts and meeting future development needs.
“The Unud Faculty of Engineering continues to be a source of pride; let us move forward together to enhance Udayana’s reputation,” said Prof. Sudarsana.
This message underscores that the Faculty of Engineering’s achievements do not stand in isolation; rather, they are part of a collective effort to elevate the reputation, competitiveness, and impact of Udayana University.
In the era of PTN-BH (State University with Legal Entity status), strengthening a university requires more than just enhancing internal capacity. Collaboration with the government, the business sector, industry, financial institutions, the community, and international partners is increasingly vital to ensure that science and technology are developed and utilized more broadly.
The presence of strategic partners at the 61st Faculty of Engineering Anniversary (BKFT) celebration reflects the importance of these institutional relationships. For the Faculty of Engineering, partnership networks serve as a gateway for advancing research, innovation, and education, as well as for developing student competencies and applying technological outcomes to address societal needs.
Therefore, the spirit of the 61st BKFT extends beyond mere celebration; it serves as a reminder that a faculty’s strength is built through collaboration involving human resources, innovation, networking, and a commitment to making a tangible impact.
The peak of the 61st BKFT celebrations also featured an awards ceremony honoring lecturers and administrative staff entering retirement, recognizing their dedication and service to the Faculty of Engineering and Udayana University.
The event continued with the ceremonial cutting of the *tumpeng* (cone-shaped yellow rice) and artistic performances and entertainment involving the extended family of the Faculty of Engineering.
More than just an annual ceremony, the 61st BKFT served as a moment to unite the values of kinship with the agenda of institutional development. A tradition upheld for 61 years is combined with a spirit of continuous adaptation, innovation, expanded collaboration, and strengthened competitiveness.
Driven by this spirit, the Faculty of Engineering at Udayana University reaffirms its commitment to playing a vital role in the university’s transformation journey into a State University with Legal Entity status (PTN-BH)—striving not only for excellence in education and technological development but also for the delivery of relevant innovations that create a meaningful impact on society.