Mataram, University of Mataram — In its effort to strengthen the development of human resources among lecturers, both Permanent Civil Servants (PNS) and Contract‑Based Civil Servants (PPPK), the University of Mataram (Unram) held a recommendation session for further study on Monday (13/4) at the Senate Conference Room, Unram Rectorate. This agenda forms part of Unram’s strategic initiative to enhance the academic qualifications of its lecturers, thereby reinforcing institutional capacity and supporting accreditation goals.

Rector of Unram, Prof. Dr. Sukardi, M.Pd., together with Vice Rector for Finance and General Affairs, Prof. Akmaluddin, ST., M.Sc. (Eng), Ph.D., and the Vice Deans for Finance and General Affairs, emphasized the importance of accelerating postgraduate studies for lecturers. Currently, 67% of Unram’s lecturers hold master’s degrees, while 30% have earned doctoral qualifications.

Rector Prof. Dr. Sukardi, M.Pd. reaffirmed the administration’s full support in facilitating lecturers’ postgraduate studies, including the release from teaching duties to allow them to focus on academic advancement. He also encouraged the Vice Deans for Finance and General Affairs to assist lecturers in promptly attaining the academic rank of Lektor. In addition, the MyUnram system will provide data on lecturers’ course attendance and issue notifications to those who have not yet pursued further studies.

Unram is also preparing a Rector’s Regulation that will provide a financial support scheme covering 90% of tuition fees as well as monthly meal allowances for lecturers continuing their studies without scholarships. In his message, Prof. Sukardi emphasized, “We sincerely hope that you will continue your studies soon. Be confident and committed, remain idealistic, yet realistic.” He further reminded faculties to manage the distribution of teaching loads proportionally to ensure academic continuity.

Rector Prof. Dr. Sukardi, M.Pd. further encouraged lecturers to pursue studies abroad as part of efforts to broaden academic horizons and strengthen international networks. He emphasized that overseas study experiences would provide added value for lecturers, particularly in terms of research quality, international publications, and cross‑border academic collaboration. “We hope that more Unram lecturers will have the courage to seize opportunities for study abroad,” he stated.

Vice Rector for Finance and General Affairs, Prof. Akmaluddin, ST., M.Sc. (Eng), Ph.D., added that among Unram’s approximately 1,300 lecturers, there remains a gap between those approaching retirement and the continuity of postgraduate studies among younger faculty members. Unram’s target is to meet the demand for doctoral‑qualified lecturers in order to support institutional accreditation. “The administration will provide full support for administrative matters so that lecturers can focus on their postgraduate studies,” he affirmed.

One of the lecturers attending the forum expressed that the event was a long‑awaited momentum. “Through this forum we can share ideas, voice our concerns, and convey our grievances. Such opportunities are crucial so that lecturers’ aspirations can be heard directly by the leadership,” he remarked.

This activity represents Unram’s strategic step in strengthening academic quality, ensuring the sustainability of lecturer regeneration, and supporting the achievement of both national and international accreditation standards. Beyond that, the forum reflects Unram’s commitment to preparing lecturers who are competitive, adaptive, and ready to face global challenges.