Enhancing Global Quality, UNUJA Benchmarking with Bengkulu University towards ACQUIN Accreditation.

Nurul Jadid University (UNUJA) continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving the quality of education through strategic steps in obtaining international accreditation. On Thursday, September 26, 2024, the leadership of Nurul Jadid University, consisting of the Vice Rector III, Head of the Research and Community Service Institute, Head of the External Accreditation Institution, Deans, and Directors of UNUJA, conducted an external benchmarking visit to Bengkulu University. The main purpose of this visit was to study and understand the international accreditation process undertaken by Bengkulu University through The Accreditation, Certification, and Quality Assurance Institute (ACQUIN).

The activity, which took place in the Joint Meeting Room of Bengkulu University, began at 8:00 AM WIB and was warmly welcomed by both parties. As one of the leading universities in Indonesia, Bengkulu University has successfully obtained international accreditation for 69 study programs through ACQUIN. This achievement attracted Nurul Jadid University to conduct a comparative study to expedite the development of their academic quality.

Dr. Yulian Fauzi, M.Si, as the Head of the Quality Assurance and Learning Development Institute (LPMPP) of Bengkulu University, representing the Rector of Bengkulu University, welcomed the guests and expressed pride in this visit. "We feel honored to share experiences with Nurul Jadid University regarding our journey in achieving international accreditation. We hope this activity can be the beginning of a long-term collaboration between both universities in terms of improving educational quality," said Dr. Yulian.

He was accompanied by several important leaders of Bengkulu University, including the Head of the Quality Assurance Center, Dr. Gita Mulyasari, S.P., M.Si., the Secretary of the Learning Development Division, Dr. Gumono, S.Pd., M.Pd., and the Coordinator of General Affairs and Public Relations, Wuryanto, S.P. Also present were several protocol staff from the rectorate of Bengkulu University who ensured the event ran smoothly.

Representing Nurul Jadid University, Dr. H. Hasan Baharun, M.Pd., Vice Rector III of UNUJA, in his speech, expressed the main objectives of this benchmarking. "We want to learn directly from Bengkulu University, which has succeeded in the ACQUIN international accreditation process. We hope this visit can enlighten UNUJA in raising our educational standards to a global level," he said. He also expressed appreciation to all members of the academic community at Bengkulu University for openly sharing their knowledge and experiences.

In addition to Dr. Hasan Baharun, the UNUJA delegation also included Ns. Handono Fathur Rahman, M.Kep., Sp., Kep.M.B., as the Head of the External Accreditation Institution (LAE) of UNUJA, who will play a key role in managing accreditation programs at UNUJA. “We will not only strengthen our internal academic quality, but also prepare to open up opportunities for international cooperation, and certainly, this benchmarking will help us achieve global standards,” said Ns. Handono.

During the warm discussion session, the benchmarking participants from UNUJA were very interested in exploring the stages that Bengkulu University underwent to achieve ACQUIN accreditation. One important point raised was the strategy for quality assurance and curriculum development that meets international standards, as well as the vital role of collaboration with international institutions in the accreditation process.

As a rapidly developing university, Nurul Jadid University hopes to implement the results of this benchmarking soon to accelerate the process of international accreditation for its study programs. This visit is also considered part of UNUJA's strategic efforts to continue advancing educational quality and competing on the international stage.

The closing of this event was marked by the exchange of souvenirs as a symbol of friendship and commitment between Nurul Jadid University and Bengkulu University to continue collaborating in the future, particularly in the field of educational quality development. Both parties hope that this activity will strengthen sustainable academic relationships and bring significant benefits to the development of education in Indonesia.

With a spirit of collaboration and innovation, UNUJA is ready to face the challenges of international accreditation and remains committed to providing quality education that meets global standards.