PPAVI’s 6th Congress Produces Key Strategic Decisions, Surakarta Named Host of the 7th Congress in 2027

BANDUNG – The Indonesian Association of Vocational Academic Leaders (Perkumpulan Pimpinan Akademika Vokasi Indonesia/PPAVI) successfully held its 6th Congress on November 2–4, 2026, at Santo Borromeus University (USTB), Pratista Retreat House, and Parahyangan Catholic University (UNPAR), Bandung. The congress was attended by 43 participants, comprising leaders and representatives from 25 PPAVI member institutions, the Executive Secretariat of the Commission for Education of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (Komdik KWI), and PPAVI board members.

Carrying the theme “Transforming Vocational Higher Education for Greater Impact through Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, and Industrial Collaboration,” the congress served as an important opportunity for PPAVI to evaluate its organizational performance, strengthen collaboration among vocational higher education institutions, and formulate the organization’s strategic direction and work programs for 2027.

The event commenced on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Santo Borromeus University with participant registration, followed by an Opening Mass led by Vicar General Rev. F.X. Wahyu Tri Wibowo, together with fellow priests. The opening ceremony continued with remarks from the Chairman of the Borromeus Health Education Foundation, the PPAVI Chairperson, the PPAVI Advisor, and a representative of the Commission for Education of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (Komdik KWI).

Following the opening ceremony and welcome dinner, participants proceeded to Pratista Retreat House, which served as the main venue for the congress sessions and organizational discussions.

Organizational Evaluation and Strengthening Governance

On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the congress focused on organizational proceedings, including appointing the Congress Chairperson and Secretary, reading the congress rules and regulations, presenting Congress VI resolutions, and submitting and discussing the board’s 2026 Accountability Report.

During the proceedings, Congress VI accepted the PPAVI board’s accountability report for its 2026 programs, together with several recommendations and inputs. Key discussion areas included follow-up on the 5th Congress's 2025 resolutions, strengthening the secretariat, financial management, and implementation of commission activities.

The congress also emphasized the importance of improving organizational governance. One of the resolutions was to strengthen the role of the secretariat by requiring activity reports for every PPAVI program and making them accessible through the organization's official website. This initiative is expected to improve organizational documentation and facilitate the preparation of Implementation Agreements (IAs) among member institutions.

In addition, PPAVI will conduct visits to member institutions considered inactive in both online and offline activities. This initiative is intended to encourage greater member engagement and strengthen the organization's institutional network.

As part of the congress program, PPAVI also welcomed a presentation from PT Diginusa, one of its partners, which introduced its products and services to PPAVI members.

Vocational Education Transformation and Collaboration Take Center Stage

In line with the congress theme, the second day featured several strategic sessions addressing the future of vocational higher education.

The discussion program comprised three main sessions. The first presentation, entitled “Transforming Vocational Higher Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” was delivered by Dhany Faizal Racma, M.Kom. The session explored the importance of preparing vocational higher education institutions to respond to technological advancements and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.

The second presentation, entitled “Collaboration among Vocational Higher Education Leaders and Impactful Innovation,” was delivered by Romanus Edy Prabowo, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. The session highlighted the role of collaboration and leadership in driving innovation across vocational higher education institutions.

The discussions continued with a Panel Discussion/Best Practice Sharing session led by Yulia Wardani, M.A.N. This session provided participants with an opportunity to share experiences, exchange best practices, and discuss different perspectives on developing vocational higher education institutions.

All three sessions were moderated by Dr. R.R. Erna Sadiarti Budiningtyas, S.Sos., M.Sc., who facilitated the discussions and encouraged the exchange of ideas and experiences as valuable contributions to the future development of vocational higher education.

Through these sessions, the congress reaffirmed the importance of adaptive leadership, continuous innovation, technological advancement, and cross-institutional collaboration in delivering vocational education that responds to the needs of society and the workforce.

PPAVI Establishes Its 2027 Work Programs

One of the key agendas of Congress VI was the establishment of the organization's work programs for 2027. These programs were formulated through five commissions responsible for driving PPAVI's activities and strategic initiatives.

The Commission for Student Affairs and Alumni will focus on organizing PPAVI Got Talent and developing follow-up action plans for lecturers serving as student activity advisors.

The Commission for Institutional Development, Education, and Training will strengthen engagement with stakeholders in non-health sectors, develop student recruitment strategies in collaboration with Komdik KWI, and establish a student admissions information system under PPAVI. The commission will also organize Sharing Sessions on Excellent Study Programs and a Sustainable Leadership program.

Meanwhile, the Commission for Research and Community Service plans to organize an online Student Research Conference during the odd semester and a hybrid Higher Education Research Conference alongside the PPAVI Congress. Other initiatives include developing inter-institutional research collaborations, managing a researcher and journal database, and conducting technical workshops on journal accreditation.

The Commission for External Relations and Cooperation will organize social initiatives through PPAVI Peduli Kusta, follow up on Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) among PPAVI member institutions, continue its collaboration with PT KEIGA, and establish cooperation with APTIK in lecturer development and training.

The Commission for Investment and Financial Development will develop Edufair activities in collaboration with Komdik KWI and organize a Job Fair, which is planned to take place at the venue of the 2027 congress. The commission also aims to increase membership and active participation in Koperasi Kobarkan Harapan, strengthen collaboration with other commissions, and develop funding proposals based on each commission's work programs.

These programs are expected to strengthen PPAVI's contribution to vocational higher education through concrete, measurable, and sustainable initiatives.

Recognizing Achievements and Welcoming New Members

As part of its commitment to recognizing creativity and academic achievement, Congress VI also featured an awards ceremony honoring the winners of PPAVI Got Talent and the Higher Education Research and Vocational Conference.

The awards served as recognition of the contributions made by academic communities in fostering creativity, innovation, and a strong research culture within vocational higher education institutions.

Through its official resolutions, PPAVI also welcomed the Faculty of Vocational Studies of Parahyangan Catholic University, Bandung, and Cristo Re Maumere Polytechnic as permanent members of PPAVI. The addition of these institutions is expected to expand the organization's institutional network and strengthen collaboration among vocational higher education institutions across Indonesia.

Surakarta to Host PPAVI's 7th Congress in 2027

The final day of Congress VI took place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Parahyangan Catholic University. The closing agenda included presentations by PPAVI's newly admitted members, namely the Faculty of Vocational Studies of Parahyangan Catholic University, Bandung, and Cristo Re Maumere Polytechnic.

The event also featured a symbolic handover of the institutional flags to PPAVI, followed by the presentation of official membership decrees and certificates by the PPAVI Chairperson.

According to the official resolutions adopted in Bandung on November 4, 2026, the 7th PPAVI Congress will be held on October 25–27, 2027, in Surakarta, Central Java. The organization of the upcoming congress has been entrusted to ATMI Surakarta Polytechnic and Pignatelli Triputra University (UPITRA).

The 6th Congress concluded with a Closing Mass and the formal ratification of the congress resolutions, followed by lunch and a farewell ceremony for all participants.

Building Synergy for the Future of Vocational Education

The 6th PPAVI Congress was more than an organizational evaluation and decision-making forum. It also served as a platform for strengthening collective commitment to advancing vocational higher education in Indonesia.

The resolutions and work programs established during the congress reflect PPAVI's strategic direction, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, institutional strengthening, human resource development, and meaningful contributions to society and industry.

Through a shared spirit of commitment and collaboration, PPAVI is expected to continue serving as a strategic platform for vocational academic leaders to strengthen one another, exchange best practices, and drive impactful transformation in vocational higher education across Indonesia.