Singaraja- The Department of Law and Citizenship, Faculty of Law and Social Sciences, University of Education, Ganesha (Undiksha) held a national seminar, Thursday (1/10/2020). The seminar, which took place online, carried the theme “Higher Education in the Swirl of Democratic Pragmatism: Assessing the Role of Academics in Strengthening the Unitary Republic of Indonesia”.
At the seminar, one of the speakers presented was a Professor of Criminal Law at Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Prof. Dr. Eddy O.S. Hiariej, S.H., M.Hum. He explained that the role of universities has a very important role in strengthening the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. This can be realized through the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. With regard to the first dharma, namely education, what can be put forward is character education which upholds tolerance, mutual cooperation, and love for one another and maintains diversity. “Therefore, social science in this case has a vital role compared to the others,” he emphasized.
The second Dharma relates to conducting research. In this case, the research carried out prioritizes local wisdom so that the problems experienced by the community can be resolved properly. Third, the dharma of community service is something that must be done. All elements in higher education must take part in community service. For example, implemented through a real work lecture program.
According to him, the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education well will produce a young generation with quality and integrity. If this is indeed the case, it will make the Indonesian State strong, able to face all forms of threats, both from outside and from within. “From the students’ point of view, the first and foremost task is to study well and seriously. The second is participating in student organizations so that you can gain experience related to leadership, which you certainly don’t get in class,” he said.
On this occasion also mentioned democracy. Prof. Eddy stated that in principle democracy is from, by, and for the people. “It means that we ourselves determine the direction of the nation and the country’s journey in the future. Through general elections, we choose representatives and leaders who will become power holders. For this reason, intelligence and wisdom are needed in choosing the nation’s best sons who will lead this country, “he concluded. (rls)
