Bogor & Depok, July 16–17, 2025 – As part of efforts to enhance the Internal Quality Assurance System (SPMI) and prepare for international accreditation, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) conducted a benchmarking visit to two leading institutions in Indonesia: the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of IPB University (FMIPA IPB) and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI). This activity forms part of FMIPA USK’s strategic steps in compiling the Self-Assessment Report (SAR) for the international accreditation process by ASIIN (Accreditation Agency for Degree Programs in Engineering, Informatics/Computer Science, the Natural Sciences and Mathematics).
The FMIPA USK delegation was led by the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Nasrullah Zaini, S.Si., M.Si., M.Sc., accompanied by the Head of the Faculty Quality Assurance Unit (SJMF), Irhamni, S.Si., M.Si., and the Chair of the Joint SAR ASIIN Team, Prof. Dr. Suhartono, S.Si., M.Sc. Also joining the visit were representatives from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) USK, namely Ms. Wiwit and Ms. Kana, who are also preparing for international accreditation.
Benchmarking to FMIPA IPB: Exploring Academic Quality Strategies
The first visit took place on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at FMIPA IPB in Bogor. The FMIPA USK team was warmly welcomed by the FMIPA IPB leadership and their Academic Quality Assurance Unit (UPMA). A series of in-depth discussions were held on best practices applied by FMIPA IPB, including internal quality assurance systems, documentation processes, and handling international accreditation site visits.
FMIPA IPB shared their experience in cultivating a strong quality culture, particularly in consistent documentation, involving all academic units in SAR development, and the strategic role of UPMA in coordinating internal evaluation and continuous improvement processes.
The FMIPA USK team also had the opportunity to observe firsthand how FMIPA IPB manages quality evidence tracking systems and accreditation-supporting documents.
Benchmarking to FMIPA UI: Learning from ASIIN SAR Preparation Mechanisms
On the following day, Thursday, July 17, 2025, the benchmarking continued at FMIPA UI in Depok. The FMIPA USK delegation gained valuable insights into the preparation of SAR for ASIIN, program-level involvement, and strategies for facing international assessors.
Discussions with FMIPA UI’s UPMA focused on:
- The structure and format of ASIIN-compliant SARs,
- The importance of measurable and evidence-based data,
- Time management strategies in preparing documentation,
- Common challenges faced in international accreditation.
The team also observed document management systems, internal evaluation tools, and how FMIPA UI utilizes a quality dashboard to monitor program performance in real-time.
“This activity is extremely valuable in preparing concrete steps towards international accreditation. We learned a lot from FMIPA UI’s experience, having gone through this process ahead of us,” said Dr. Nasrullah Zaini.
Strategic Steps Toward Global Competitiveness
The benchmarking visits to FMIPA IPB and UI reflect FMIPA USK’s strong commitment to building internationally recognized academic governance. These visits are not merely comparison studies, but also meaningful platforms for collaboration between institutions in improving the quality of higher education in Indonesia.
“We are determined that the ASIIN international accreditation process will not be a mere formality, but part of a quality transformation that directly enhances our academic services,” said Irhamni, Head of the Faculty Quality Assurance Unit (SJMF) FMIPA USK.
Through lessons learned from these reputable institutions, FMIPA USK aims to complete its SAR with a more structured and participatory approach. This effort is expected to accelerate the achievement of international accreditation status, strengthen academic reputation, and open opportunities for global collaboration in research and academic mobility for both students and lecturers.
🎯 Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This benchmarking initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the context of quality assurance and internationalization of higher education:
- SDG 4: Quality Education
By strengthening its internal quality assurance system and pursuing international accreditation, FMIPA USK is enhancing the quality and global competitiveness of its educational programs. - SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The collaborative benchmarking visits to UI and IPB promote institutional partnerships and knowledge exchange, which are essential in achieving shared educational and development goals. - SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (indirectly)
Through improved academic systems and standardization aligned with international frameworks, FMIPA USK is laying the foundation for stronger innovation ecosystems within its scientific and research communities.
