UNS – The Professors’ Council of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta held workshop on Tuesday (25/6/2024). The theme of this session was “Implementation of Humanitarian Values and Ethics in Higher Education.” The workshop took place in person at the Indraprasta Ballroom, UNS Inn.

Two keynote speakers addressed the topic: Prof. Dr. Sukowiyono, S.H, M.Hum., from Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) and Prof. Dr. Siswandari, M.Stats., from UNS. The discussion between the speakers and workshop participants was moderated by Prof. Dra. Diah Kristina, M.A., Ph.D., a professor of English for Specific Purposes at UNS.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Suciati, M.Pd., the Chair of Commission 2 of the UNS Professors’ Council, stated that higher education institutions play a crucial role in developing well-rounded human resources. These institutions should not only produce intelligent and skilled individuals but also those with strong humanitarian and ethical values.

“The goal of this workshop is to develop strategies and recommendations to enhance the implementation of humanitarian ethical values in higher education,” explained Prof. Suciati.

The Chair of the UNS Professors’ Council, Prof. Drs. Suranto Tjiptowibisono, M.Sc., Ph.D., emphasized UNS’s commitment to upholding university norms. Ethics must be maintained to continue contributing positively. Various conditions within and outside the university environment are related to the preservation of these values and ethics.

“Ethics must be upheld consistently, for example, in terms of politeness, which can manifest in respectful communication,” he said.

The event was officially opened by the Acting Rector of UNS, Dr. Chatarina Muliana, S.H., S.E., M.H. She praised the UNS Professors’ Council for their discussions on implementing humanitarian values and ethics, which have been compiled into a book. Ethics and humanity must not be separated, as universities serve as the final point for educating high moral standards.

“The implementation of values and ethics is an effort that transcends law. Both serve as safeguards for humanizing humans. In today’s reality, the issues faced by higher education are not only intellectual but also about producing graduates who are valuable and ethical,” Dr. Chatarina stated.

In the main session, Prof. Suko presented material titled “Code of Ethics for Lecturers, Students, and Educational Staff in Higher Education.” He emphasized the importance of self-awareness and mutual care among the academic community, akin to a family, and fostering trust rather than suspicion.

Similarly, Prof. Siswandari discussed the importance of love, empathy, sharing, and respect. These values are closely related to the wisdom that should be prioritized. An open attitude should be emphasized. She cited the ethics of Ki Hadjar Dewantara: Ing ngarso sung tulodho, ing madya mangun karso, and tut wuri handayani.

“In Pancasila, there is a sense of fair and civilized humanity, such as mutual assistance and the courage to defend truth and justice. To prosper society, facilitation, convenience, and welfare are necessary,” Prof. Siswandari explained.

Humas UNS