Department of Agrotechnology of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) maintained its ‘A’ accreditation. National Accreditation Agency of Higher Education (BAN-PT) officially announced the accreditation on the Decree No. 1778/SK/BAN-PT/Akred/S/VII/2018 on 17 July 2018.

In an interview at Agriculture Training Center (ACT) on Friday (20/7) Department Head Dr. Innaka Ageng Rineksane, S.P., M.P. told that the department has achieved ‘A’ accreditation since 2014. “We prepared all documents for the reaccreditation since January 2017. The accreditation visit was on 8-10 July 2018 and the accreditation score enhances, 371 points.

To obtain the ‘A’ accreditation, the department developed teacher and student quality, encouraged lecturers to conduct research each year, and sent students to have student exchange programs, internship programs, and community service overseas. Indeed, Students’ national and international achievements also supported the accreditation process. Indeed, the department facilities encompass 10 laboratories, three greenhouses, and 24,000-hectare areas in Yogyakarta.

Despite gaining the ‘A’ accreditation with a high score, Innaka thought that several aspects should be boosted as human resource quality. The department heartens lecturers holding master’s degree to pursue doctoral degree and lecturers taking doctoral degree can accomplish their study. Besides, a learning atmosphere should be escalated as conducting joint research with foreign universities. “We will evaluate our shortages and we will improve all aspects,” told Innaka.

She added that the department may be able to maintain the accreditation and lift its achievements. The department also seeks to obtain an international accreditation ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA).