Universitas Terbuka (UT) has received a Fair Opinion Without Modification (Wajar Tanpa Modifikasi/WTM) based on the audit results of its financial reports during the transformation into a State Legal Entity Higher Education Institution (PTNBH). This achievement is attributed to the role of the Internal Supervision Office of Universitas Terbuka (KPI UT) as the adviser of UT vision and mission. The Internal Supervision Unit of Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UI3) conducted a benchmarking study on November 14, 2023, with the aim of enhancing the quality of internal supervision within UI3. This strategic initiative by UI3 aims to optimize the function of internal supervision to maintain the integrity, effectiveness, and efficiency of various operational aspects of the campus. Universitas Terbuka, known for its open and distance learning system, became a relevant choice for benchmarking in this context.
In his welcome address, Antonio Vivaldi, S.E., MBA., Secretary of the Internal Supervision Office of Universitas Terbuka, welcomed UI3 initiative to conduct benchmarking at Universitas Terbuka. “Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to our beloved campus at Universitas Terbuka. This activity is not only an opportunity for UI3 to learn about the internal supervision system at UT but also an opportunity for us to learn about the good practices implemented by UI3. We hope that the implementation of the Internal Supervision Office’s functions at each university can be more optimal,” he stated.
Diana Fitri Dahli, S.T., Secretary of the Internal Supervision Unit of UI3, expressed the primary objectives of this activity. “We are very proud to come here and have received a warm welcome from the KPI UT team. We came here with the goal of learning and imitating the rules after UT became PTNHBH and in terms of reporting,” she said.
During the activity, participants from UI3 received direct explanations from KPI UT regarding supervision strategies and challenges faced in carrying out the functions of KPI UT. The exchange of experiences between these higher education institutions is expected to provide mutual benefits. The UI3 team has collaborated with Universitas Terbuka to exchange experiences and best practices in managing the Internal Supervision System. Both institutions shared knowledge related to the implementation of the Internal Supervision System to ensure high compliance, transparency, and accountability in the operation of the Internal Supervision Office.
The benchmarking activity also included discussions about the internal control system at Universitas Terbuka, with enthusiastic participation from both parties. Through the exchange of ideas and best practices, it is hoped that UI3 can formulate a more mature strategic plan to strengthen its Internal Supervision Unit. The focus of this benchmarking activity involves evaluating policies and procedures of the Internal Supervision Unit, implementing technology in internal supervision, and strengthening collaboration between units within the university. The results of this activity are expected to serve as a basis for both universities to continue improving the quality of their Internal Supervision Units.
This benchmarking activity sets a positive example for other higher education institutions to collaborate in efforts to improve their governance and internal supervision. By sharing experiences and knowledge, higher education institutions in Indonesia are beter to face future challenges and ensure the delivery of quality and accountable education. This benchmarking study reflects the commitment of both universities to enhancing governance and accountability in the higher education sector. The more frequent such experience exchanges occur, the more the network and collaboration between higher education institutions develop towards achieving the best standards in internal supervision.
Author: Wahyu Tri Utomo, S.T
