The Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology recently hosted the prestigious 2023 Academic Leader Awards ceremony at the Grand Hyatt, Bali, on November 13, 2023. This significant event aimed to recognize and commend outstanding leaders in academia, promoting the development of creative ideas and the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar (Independent Learning) initiative.
The AL Awards, aligned with the Merdeka Belajar framework, serve as a catalyst for lecturers to actively contribute to key performance indicators (IKU) in higher education. Beyond this, the ceremony fosters a collaborative environment for the advancement of innovation, bridging the gap between scientific research and the creation of sustainable value in commercial, economic, and socio-cultural domains at both national and international levels.
At this distinguished event, Dr. Chairul Hudaya, Ph.D., was selected as the recipient of the Chancellor’s Award in the category of Higher Education for the category of Very Good Accreditation University. Expressing gratitude for the honor, the rector acknowledged the trust bestowed by the Directorate General of Higher Education and Technology. Dr. Chairul Hudaya extended appreciation to the entire UTS community, recognizing the collective effort of lecturers, staff, support personnel, and students in fostering the continuous growth and development of the UTS campus.
In a humble reflection on his achievement, Dr. Chairul Hudaya emphasized that the recognition was a testament to the collaborative spirit at UTS. He stated, “This is not my achievement, but the achievement of all of us. Alhamdulillah, thank you for our cooperation in building the UTS campus.” The rector highlighted the presence of eminent professors from across Indonesia, rectors from various universities, Indonesian professors in the diaspora, and esteemed guests, all of whom congratulated the UTS community on this momentous achievement.
Since 2020, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology has championed the Independent Learning, Independent Campus Policy, mandating higher education lecturers to be visionary scientific leaders. Dr. Chairul Hudaya underlined the significance of inspiring young lecturers and students, excelling in innovative work, and garnering national and international recognition—a vision integral to UTS’s ethos.
The Academic Leader Awards, initiated in 2018, 2019, and now in 2022, encompass three categories based on accreditation levels. Dr. Chairul Hudaya, representing UTS, stood out in the category of Higher Education with Very Good Accreditation.
The evaluation criteria for the awards included “tridharma achievements”—education/teaching, research, and community service—reflected in the IKU. The assessment also considered leadership capabilities in science and institutions, as well as innovative contributions to implementing the Independent Learning Independent Campus policy (MBKM).
Following a rigorous interview process with the jury, comprising Prof. Nizam, Director General of Higher Education, Dr. Sofwan Effendi, Director of Resources, and independent judges both in Jakarta and online, Dr. Chairul Hudaya was honored as the Academic Leader. The award ceremony coincided with the World Class Professor program seminar and the World Scientific Forum of Indonesia at the Grand Hyatt, Bali.
Looking forward, Dr. Chairul Hudaya expressed hope, stating, “With the system and ecosystem that we have built, let’s make our campus a comfortable and enjoyable learning place to grow fully as human beings who are beneficial to the universe. With its various programs, UTS always strives to create a campus that is grounded and global.” This acknowledgment reflects UTS’s commitment to providing a holistic and enriching learning environment.
