Padang – Following the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Strengthening Graduate Curricula, the leadership of the Graduate School (SPs) of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) held a strategic discussion with the leadership of the Graduate School of Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Director's Office of the Graduate School of UNP. The meeting served as a platform to strengthen institutional collaboration while exchanging best practices in the development and management of graduate education.

The discussion was led by the Director of the Graduate School of UNY, Prof. Dr. Siswantoyo, S.Pd., M.Kes., AIFO., and welcomed by the leadership of the Graduate School of UNP, including the Director, Prof. Dra. Yenni Rozimela, M.Ed., Ph.D.; the Vice Director I, Prof. Dr. Indang Dewata, M.Si.; and the Vice Director II, Prof. Dr. Oriza Candra, S.T., M.T. The meeting was conducted in a warm and constructive atmosphere, focusing on the exchange of experiences and best practices in graduate education management.

One of the key topics discussed was the strengthening of graduate school governance to better respond to the evolving landscape of higher education and the demands of digital transformation. Prof. Siswantoyo shared the Graduate School's experience in enhancing academic services, expanding institutional partnerships, and developing strategic initiatives aimed at improving the quality of graduate education.

During the meeting, Prof. Siswantoyo also presented several examples of the Graduate School's strategic partnerships with external institutions, including its collaboration with the Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM) of the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation. The partnership was highlighted as a successful example of collaboration between higher education institutions and government agencies in supporting human resource development through graduate education, professional training, and educational innovation.

The discussion also addressed several common challenges faced by both institutions. Representatives from the Graduate Schools of UNY and UNP acknowledged similar issues, including the limited number of permanent academic staff assigned directly to graduate schools and the heavy teaching responsibilities of faculty members affiliated with different faculties. These challenges were recognised as important considerations in maintaining academic quality while supporting the continued development of graduate programmes and research activities.

Through the forum, both institutions exchanged perspectives on potential solutions, including strengthening human resource management, optimising cross-faculty collaboration, and expanding partnerships with external organisations to enhance institutional capacity. Prof. Siswantoyo emphasised the value of such discussions as opportunities for mutual learning among universities.

"Every institution faces its own unique challenges, but each also has valuable best practices that can be shared. Through discussions and collaborations like this, we can strengthen our institutional capacity while continuously improving the quality of graduate education," he remarked.

The meeting further strengthened the relationship between the Graduate Schools of UNY and UNP, building upon the Cooperation Aghreement (PKS) that had previously been signed by both institutions. Looking ahead, the two graduate schools reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration in curriculum development, research, scientific publications, human resource development, and other strategic initiatives that support the continuous improvement of higher education.

Through this partnership, the Graduate School of UNY continues to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening national academic networks while promoting innovative practices that contribute to the development of adaptive, high-quality, and globally competitive graduate education.