The Faculty of Philosophy at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organized a socialization session on Expert Field Groups (Kelompok Bidang Keahlian/KBK) on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. The event was attended by all faculty members and featured a presentation by Prof. Suadi, S.Pi., M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D., the Director of Human Resources at UGM.
During the session, Prof. Suadi explained the importance of KBK in the context of developing the expertise of lecturers at UGM. Although KBK is not explicitly mentioned in the Ministerial Regulation of Education and Culture, he clarified that this concept is closely related to the obligation of Professors to lead areas of expertise that are in line with the development of knowledge.
“Expert Field Groups (KBK) are not detailed in the Ministerial Regulation, but this is part of an effort to encourage interdisciplinarity in higher education,” he said. Prof. Suadi also emphasized that KBK is highly relevant to future lecturer recruitment, which should align with the areas of knowledge each faculty and study program intends to develop.
Additionally, Prof. Suadi highlighted the latest regulations regarding lecturer careers, outlined in the Ministerial Regulation of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology No. 44 of 2024 concerning the Profession, Career, and Income of Lecturers, as well as the Decree of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology No. 500/M/2024, which discusses the Minimum Standards for Lecturer Performance Indicators and Scientific Publication Criteria. Both regulations stress the important role of lecturers in achieving high academic standards and performance.
The Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy UGM, Dr. Rr. Siti Murtiningsih, S.S., M.Hum., stated, “This activity is crucial for lecturers to fully understand the latest policy direction regarding career development, especially in the context of Expert Field Groups. We must strive to be as adaptable as possible to face the challenges and changes in higher education.”
The socialization session aimed to provide a deeper understanding of KBK and how lecturers can develop their expertise within the framework of existing policies. Through this initiative, the faculty hopes to encourage lecturers to collaborate across disciplines, strengthen the quality of education, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge at both national and international levels.