Tangerang Selatan, August 22, 2025 – Universitas Terbuka (UT) held a Public Defense for the Final Doctoral Assignment (TAPD) in Management Science at the Narada Room, Directorate of Information Systems (DSI) Building, UT Central Office, Pondok Cabe, Tangerang Selatan. Doctoral candidate Nengah Sukendri (Student ID: 530076301) defended his dissertation entitled “Balinese Family Ownership Structure and Bank Performance: An Empirical Study on Rural Banks in West Nusa Tenggara Province.” 

The Public Defense was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Maman Rumanta, M.Si., Director of the UT Graduate School, who served as Chair of the Examination Committee. In his remarks, he highlighted the significance of the public defense as the pinnacle of a doctoral student’s academic journey. 

“This Public Defense is an intellectual milestone, where a doctoral candidate demonstrates their real contribution to science and society. Universitas Terbuka is committed to producing doctors who are globally competent while grounded in local values,” stated Prof. Maman. 

Following the opening, Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto, SE., M.Si., as Chief Promoter, delivered the academic accountability for his student’s dissertation. He emphasized the novelty and academic contribution of the research. 

“Nengah Sukendri’s dissertation introduces a breakthrough by incorporating the cultural value of Tri Hita Karana as a variable enhancing banking performance. This concept not only reflects local wisdom but also aligns with international ESG standards. With that, we officially hand over the candidate’s academic accountability to the Rector of Universitas Terbuka for examination,” declared Prof. Ali. 

Co-Promoter I, Dr. Ira Geraldina, SE., Ak., M.S.Ak., CA., M.Si., highlighted the practical relevance of the study. 

“This research proves that local wisdom can serve as the foundation of governance and enhance public trust in banking institutions, especially rural banks in West Nusa Tenggara,” she explained. 

Co-Promoter II, Dr. Julia Safitri, S.T., M.M., addressed the research’s contribution to management science. 

“This study fills a gap in academic literature related to bank ownership and performance. The integration of cultural values into management systems is a progressive step worth noting,” she stated. 

The Examination Committee for the public defense consisted of: 

• Prof. Dr. Maman Rumanta, M.Si. – Chair of the Committee / Director of UT Graduate School 

• Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto, SE., M.Si. – Promoter 

• Dr. Ira Geraldina, SE., Ak., M.S.Ak., CA., M.Si. – Co-Promoter I 

• Dr. Julia Safitri, S.T., M.M. – Co-Promoter II 

• Prof. Dr. Dr. H. Aminullah Assagaf, SE., MS., MM., M.Ak. – External Examiner I 

• Rini Yayuk Priyati, S.E., M.Ec., Ph.D. – External Examiner II 

This open session was attended by the leadership of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, including: 

• Prof. Dr. Ir. I Wayan Wirata, A.Ma., SE., M.Si., M.Pd. – Rector 

• Dr. Joko Prayitno, S.Ag., ST., M.Pd.H. – Vice Rector I 

• Dr. I Gusti Ayu Aditi, SH., MH. – Vice Rector II 

• Dr. I Putu Somiartha, SE., M.Si. – Dean of the Faculty of Dharma Duta, Brahma Widya, and Dharma Sastra 

• Drs. I Gusti Nyoman Artawan, M.Ag. – Head of the Bureau of Administration, Finance, and Personnel (AUAK) 

• Heriyanto, S.IP., M.M. – Director of UT Mataram 

• Prof. Dr. Hanif Nurcholis, M.Si. – Chair of the UT Senate 

• Dr. Ake Wihadanto, S.E., M.T. – Secretary of the Board of Trustees (MWA) 

• Martino Wibowo, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D. – Head of the Doctoral Management Science Program at UT 

The Public Defense concluded with praise and appreciation from the examination committee. Prof. Ali Muktiyanto reaffirmed the importance of the dissertation: 

“Today, we witness how management science is intertwined with cultural values. This is evidence that local-based research can compete on the global stage. Universitas Terbuka is proud, and Indonesia is proud. With this, Nengah Sukendri officially defends his scholarly work before the committee, the academic community, and invited guests, marking a meaningful contribution to the field of management and banking in Indonesia.” 

With this, Nengah Sukendri officially defends his academic work before the examination committee, the academic community, and invited guests, leaving a valuable contribution to the field of management and banking in Indonesia.