IPB University hosted a benchmarking visit from Lampung University in the Collaboration Room, Library Building, IPB Dramaga Campus, Bogor (4/9). This visit served as an opportunity to share best practices in the management of adaptive and competitive universities.
In her opening remarks, IPB University’s Vice Rector for Resource and Infrastructure Resilience, Dr Heti Mulyati, emphasized that leadership commitment serves as the cornerstone for driving institutional transformation.
According to her, clear policy direction from leadership facilitates implementation across all organizational levels. “Leadership commitment is crucial. Every policy to be communicated to the public always goes through leadership coordination, ensuring it remains aligned and focused,” she said.
In addition to leadership, she emphasized the importance of cross-unit collaboration, particularly in data management. She acknowledged that in the early stages, data across the campus was still scattered and not yet optimally integrated. However, through continuously strengthened collaboration, this situation has now become increasingly consolidated.
“Data driven collaboration enables us to implement changes quickly, even though the process is still being refined,” she added.
Over the past six years, IPB University has also faced various external dynamics of change, ranging from policies to demands for adaptation at the institutional and faculty levels. Despite this, she views these challenges as a driving force for continued innovation.
“We strive to respond to change as a challenge for growth, not as an obstacle,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, and Information Systems at the University of Lampung, Prof Ayi Ahadiat, expressed appreciation for the warm reception provided by IPB University. He emphasized that this visit aims to deepen understanding regarding institutional development strategies.
“We are very grateful and delighted to learn firsthand at IPB University, which we consider to have successfully built a modern and competitive management system,” he said.
He added that the University of Lampung is interested in studying various strategic aspects, ranging from planning formulation, strengthening public services, information systems, to communication and public relations management. Various innovations, such as the Integrated Service Center (ISC) as a unified service unit (ULT), brand strengthening, and the IPB Ambassador program, are considered best practices relevant for adoption.
“We want to gain insights ranging from mindset to the implementation of strategies in the field,” he explained.
Prof. Ayi hopes that this visit will not end as a mere ceremonial event but will lead to concrete collaboration between the universities. “We hope there will be follow-up in the form of collaboration and joint programs so that the benefits can be felt more widely,” he concluded. (AS) (IAAS/PRO)
