ENG
INA
Strengthening Academic Quality, the Doctoral Program in Cultural Studies Faculty of Humanities Udayana University conducted Field Assessment for Re-accreditation
The Doctoral Program in Cultural Studies of the Faculty of Humanities Udayana University, conducted the Field Assessment for the Re-accreditation of the Doctoral Program in Cultural Studies, Faculty of Humanities Udayana University held from January 29 up to 31, 2026. This activity represents a crucial stage in ensuring the quality of education, research, and community service in accordance with national accreditation standards.
The opening agenda of the assessment commenced with the singing of Indonesia Raya, followed by remarks from the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities Udayana University, Prof. I Nyoman Aryawibawa, S.S., M.A., Ph.D. He stated that there are currently 13 cultural studies programs in Indonesia, with six programs located in Bali and seven outside of Bali. This condition reflects a highly competitive environment in which prospective students have numerous choices. Therefore, the Doctoral Program in Cultural Studies at Udayana University emphasizes its distinctiveness through a *critical culture* approach, aligned with the vision of Udayana University, the Faculty of Humanities, and the study program, which is consistently inserted into the curriculum.
Furthermore, Prof. Aryawibawa explained that to anticipate increasingly intense competition, the program has conducted a SWOT analysis that places the Doctoral Program in Cultural Studies in an aggressive quadrant position. The program has revised its curriculum to ensure alignment between learning outcomes and courses, established admission pathways since 2024 through a combination of by research and by course as well as a full by research track, enhanced visibility through social media, maintained institutional commitment through operational, research, human resource, and infrastructure investment, and developed collaborations with leading overseas universities. This field assessment aims to ensure the quality of operations, the implementation of Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi (Three Pillars of Higher Education), and the fulfillment of the nine accreditation criteria, while also inviting feedback for program and institutional improvement.
The Rector of Udayana University, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the BAN-PT assessors for their presence despite their demanding schedules. He emphasized that accreditation serves as an essential instrument in sustaining quality assurance, where internal quality assurance systems must be complemented by external evaluation as a form of accountability to the public. He also highlighted the strategic role of the Faculty of Humanities as the origin of Udayana University and as the spearhead of institutional development, particularly in strengthening research, culture, and tourism, with the expectation that the Doctoral Program in Cultural Studies will serve as a leading force supported by internationally reputable publications.
Representing the BAN-PT assessors, the first assessor namely Prof. Dr. Sarwiji Suwardi, M.Pd. from Universitas Sebelas Maret stated that he and his team were officially assigned by BAN-PT to conduct the field assessment. He noted that the submitted documents had been thoroughly reviewed and emphasized the team’s openness to additional data that may not have been included. Throughout the assessment, extensive dialogue and discussions with the academic community will be conducted to provide constructive recommendations for future development.
The second assessor, Dr. Pujiharto, M.Hum. from Universitas Gadjah Mada mentioned that his involvement in the assessment was also informed by his experience in the establishment of the Cultural Studies program at UGM. He briefly recalled early debates regarding the distinction between cultural studies and cultural anthropology, emphasizing that the emergence of cultural studies is closely linked to responses to national issues.
The opening session concluded with the reading and signing of the field assessment statement by the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, the BAN-PT assessors, and witnessed by the Rector of Udayana University, the Head of UP3M, and the Coordinator of the Doctoral Program in Cultural Studies. Through this field assessment, the Doctoral Program in Cultural Studies is expected to further strengthen its role in advancing critical, relevant, and socially impactful cultural studies.
UDAYANA UNIVERSITY