Makassar— The Rector of Udayana University (Unud), Prof. Ir. I Ketut Sudarsana, S.T., Ph.D., attended the 2026 Working Meeting of the State Universities Consortium of Eastern Indonesia (KPTN-KTI) alongside the Head of the Unud Library. The event took place at the UNHAS Hotel, Makassar, on Wednesday (August 19). Unud’s participation in this forum is part of an effort to strengthen collaboration among universities, particularly in accelerating research and publication activities within Eastern Indonesia.
The working meeting served as a platform to evaluate the implementation of the Eastern Indonesia Research Consortium under the 2026 ScienceDirect-Elsevier scheme. Representatives from 17 of the 47 KPTN-KTI member universities participated in the event, including rectors, vice-rectors, heads of libraries, commitment-making officials (PPK), and other university administrators.
The event was opened by the Chair of the KPTN-KTI Presidium—who is also the Rector of Pattimura University—Prof. Dr. Fredi Leiwakabessy, M.Pd., followed by remarks from the Chair of the KPTN-KTI Advisory Board, who is also the Rector of Hasanuddin University. The meeting addressed the evaluation of the 2026 Eastern Indonesia Research Consortium, the refinement of work contracts and consortium cooperation agreements, and strategic discussions regarding higher education issues in Eastern Indonesia.
In his remarks, the Chair of the KPTN-KTI Advisory Board highlighted the persistent gap between universities in western and eastern Indonesia. Universities in Eastern Indonesia are encouraged to adopt strategies and breakthroughs focused on strengthening research, developing laboratories, enhancing human resource quality, securing funding, and fostering international cooperation. Targeted policy interventions are also considered essential to optimize the potential of universities in the region.
The agenda continued with a panel discussion covering university development, industrial downstreaming, human resource strengthening, as well as research and publication. Dr. Agung Budiwibodo, S.T., M.T., Deputy for Implementation Facilitation and Transformation at the Mineral Industry Agency, emphasized the importance of human resource readiness and top university talent in supporting mineral industry downstreaming.
H. Kamrussamad, Ph.D., a member of Commission XI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), stated that the KPTN-KTI (Consortium of Eastern Indonesian State Universities) plays a strategic role in preparing excellent human resources for the “Golden Indonesia 2045” vision. Universities are expected to develop curricula that are integrated and aligned—through a “link and match” approach—with industry needs.
Meanwhile, Ayom Widipaminto, Director of Research Facilitation at LPDP, outlined various LPDP scholarship and research funding schemes. He also noted that research funding support for Eastern Indonesia still needs to be increased incrementally. Following the panel discussion, the Rector of Unud attended a working meeting of the KPTN-KTI Presidium alongside fellow consortium rectors and the Regional Director of Elsevier. The forum discussed strategies and support required to accelerate research and publications among KPTN-KTI member universities.
Unud’s participation in the KPTN-KTI forum reflects its commitment to strengthening university collaboration networks—particularly in research and publication development—thereby enhancing the contribution and developmental impact of universities in Eastern Indonesia.