South Tangerang, August 28, 2025 – The atmosphere at the Universitas Terbuka (UT) Auditorium was buzzing with intellectual energy as five top academics from the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) presented their visions and work programs. This was not a simple speech but a “battle of ideas” during the Fit and Proper Test for FST Dean Candidates for the 2025–2030 Period. This crucial forum will determine the faculty’s direction for the next five years. 

The Chairman of the Selection Committee, Prof. Dr. Paken Pandiangan (Vice Rector for Information Systems and Student Affairs), reported that the selection was carried out according to the Rector’s Decree Number 2063 of 2025. The committee’s task was to prepare and execute the selection, then submit at least two names of the selected candidates to the Rector with an official minutes signed by the chairman and all committee members. 

Out of eleven eligible lecturers, five candidates stepped forward with their big ideas: Dr. Ir. Rinda Noviyanti, Dr. Whika Febria Dewatisari, Prof. Dr. Dewi Juliah Ratnaningsih, Prof. Dr. Ernik Yuliana, and Dr. Subekti Nurmawati. They presented their visions, missions, and work programs and participated in a closed interview to assess their academic and managerial competencies. The official report on the selection results will be submitted to the Rector for consideration in the final selection of the FST Dean. 

In his remarks, UT Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto, S.E., M.Si., emphasized that this selection process is a significant improvement and a strategic step, especially for the leadership succession in FST. He also noted that FST will be the pioneer in producing leading study programs. Therefore, he hopes that the selected FST Dean will bring change and strengthen the faculty’s capacity in all aspects, including academics, human resources, and other areas. 

The presentations by the candidates were full of innovative ideas: 

• Dr. Rinda Noviyanti, M.Si., proposed modernizing the curriculum with a focus on digital and 21st-century competencies, from Artificial Intelligence to Virtual Reality. She also plans to develop leading research in renewable energy and environmental technology to ensure FST’s impact goes beyond theory and into real-world applications. 

• Dr. Whika Febria Dewatisari, S.Si., M.Si., brought a vision of making FST excellent, inclusive, innovative, and adaptive. She stressed the importance of building collaborative and impactful research labs, promoting international publications, and expanding global networks. 

• Prof. Dr. Dewi Juliah Ratnaningsih, S.Si., M.Si., with the tagline “Making FST UT Smart,” advocated for a “Fast and Cheerful” work approach. She highlighted the importance of integrity, collaboration, enhancing student soft skills, smart careers, and strengthening academic guidance so that students grow to be not only intellectually smart but also ethically resilient. 

• Prof. Dr. Ernik Yuliana, S.Pi., M.T., presented a mission to make FST an “impactful faculty.” She emphasized an Outcome-Based Education (OBE) curriculum, opening new study programs, and expanding international collaboration. She believes FST should be at the forefront of answering the demands of the Industry 4.0 era. 

• Finally, the incumbent dean, Dr. Subekti Nurmawati, M.Si., outlined a roadmap for strengthening FST until 2030. Her focus is on improving human resource quality, diversifying study programs, and the downstreaming of research that can be directly used by industry and society. 

The Fit and Proper Test for Dean Candidates is not just about leadership regeneration but also a testament to UT’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The candidates’ ideas reflect tangible contributions to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). With new leadership, FST UT is expected to be more prepared to produce innovations and outstanding graduates who will have a positive impact on the nation and the world. 

The five big ideas from the FST dean candidates show a shared spirit: to make FST UT a catalyst for change that contributes meaningfully, in line with the Impactful Campus policy. Regardless of who is chosen as the dean, FST UT is poised to strengthen UT’s role as an open, digital, and inclusive higher education institution in preparing graduates who are relevant to the nation’s needs on its journey towards Golden Indonesia 2045.