BANDA ACEH – Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) continues to accelerate its pace on the international education stage. Following the successful assessment of the life sciences cluster, it is now the turn of Cluster B (Mathematics, Informatics, and Physics) to undergo a rigorous evaluation by the prestigious German accreditation agency, ASIIN.
The on-site visit, which took place from May 7th to May 8th, 2026, marks a new chapter in USK’s transformation into a center of excellence for science and information technology in Southeast Asia.
Accreditation Focus: Measuring Quality in Formal and Applied Sciences
Cluster B involves seven flagship study programs that serve as the backbone of technological innovation at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) USK:
- Informatics & Artificial Intelligence: Bachelor in Informatics and Master in Artificial Intelligence.
- Mathematics & Statistics: Bachelor in Mathematics, Master in Mathematics, and Bachelor in Statistics.
- Physics: Bachelor in Physics and Master in Physics.
Opening Remarks from the Dean of FMIPA USK
During the welcoming session at the FMIPA Senate Meeting Room, the Dean of FMIPA USK, Prof. Dr. Taufik Fuadi Abidin, S.Si., M. Tech., offered a warm welcome and outlined the faculty’s vision to the assessors.
“The ASIIN visit for Cluster B is a historic milestone for FMIPA USK. Our programs in Mathematics, Informatics, Physics, and Statistics are the main pillars supporting the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0 and Society 5.0. We have worked hard to integrate a curriculum that is adaptive to technology, such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, with strong fundamental research. We hope the evaluation from the German experts will validate that the educational process we conduct meets global quality standards,” stated Prof. Taufik.
He also added that this accreditation would open broader international collaboration opportunities for students and faculty members within FMIPA.
Delegation Profile: International Experts and Industry Practitioners
The audit process was guided by Emeline Jerez, PhD, representing the ASIIN Headquarters in Germany, along with a distinguished panel of experts:
- Prof. Dr. Frank Loose (University of Tübingen, Germany).
- Prof. Dr. Margitta Pries (Berlin University of Applied Sciences and Technology, Germany).
- Prof. Dr. Arno Schindlmayr (Paderborn University, Germany).
- Prof. Dr. Joko Lianto Buliali (Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember).
- Prof. Dr. Setyawan Purnomo Sakti (Brawijaya University).
- Wilfridus Handaya (Industry Representative from Tuwuhwutuh).
- Salma Dewi Nataya (Student Representative from Universitas Gadjah Mada).
Activity Analysis: Infrastructure Audit and Student Voice
1. Verification of Strategic Policies Representing the Rector of USK, the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ir. Agussabti, M.Si., along with the Dean of FMIPA, presented how USK provides full support for the development of computational laboratories and physical materials research through competitive research funding allocations.
2. Review of Flagship Facilities and Laboratories Physical facilities were a major highlight of the visit. The assessors visited several university centers of excellence and specific laboratories within FMIPA, including:
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratories: Reviewing the readiness of computational infrastructure for the Master in AI program.
- Materials Physics and Optics Laboratories: Observing research outcomes from faculty and students in advanced materials development.
- TDRMC USK: Examining how data science is applied in tsunami disaster mitigation.
- ICT Center and USK Library: Reviewing digital infrastructure and literacy access.
3. Interactive Dialogue Sessions One of the most crucial moments was the closed interview session with students. The expert group explored the extent of academic support students receive, their access to digital literacy, and opportunities for international student exchange programs.
Future Outlook
The visitation concluded with a feedback session on Friday afternoon, May 8th, where the peer group shared their initial impressions with USK leadership. The results of this accreditation are expected to further solidify FMIPA USK’s position as an internationally competitive faculty, attracting international students and strengthening global research networks.
To close the intensive agenda, the delegation was scheduled to enjoy a farewell dinner at Mahacorner to experience local cultural hospitality before departing back to Germany on May 9th, 2026, via Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport.
