UNAND Adopts ITB as Reference for Implementing PTNBH

Padang (ANTARA) - Universitas Andalas (UNAND) in West Sumatra is adopting Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) as a key reference in implementing the Public Service Agency University (PTNBH) status. “UNAND aims to absorb as many best practices from ITB as possible, particularly regarding PTNBH,” said UNAND Rector Efa Yonnedi in Padang on Friday. The rector stated that ITB is a higher education institution with mature experience in managing adaptive, innovative, and autonomous institutional governance. According to the former World Bank consultant, a strong transformation towards PTNBH cannot be achieved independently but requires learning from institutions that have succeeded earlier, one of which is ITB. The institutional relationship between UNAND and ITB not only concerns strengthening PTNBH but also serves as a foundation for UNAND to make strategic leaps, particularly in advancing the academic world. By adopting best practices and strengthening institutional identity, UNAND is expected to optimise its role as a PTNBH that impacts society and national development. Meanwhile, ITB Rector Prof Tatacipta Dirgantara emphasised that the role of universities today extends beyond knowledge transfer. Campuses must become spaces for shaping student character through structured real-world experiences. He said that character cannot be built instantly but through integrated learning designs, such as involvement in competitions, real work lectures, and community service. In this way, a distinctive student culture can be formed. Looking ahead, he said, ITB has strategic directions to serve as a reference for other higher education institutions. One of them is encouraging up to 80 percent of students to participate in fast-track programmes as an effort to accelerate studies and improve graduate quality. “ITB is also continuously strengthening its research culture by directing lecturers to focus more on research and global reputable publications,” he stated.