BANDUNG, UNIKOM — A warm atmosphere of togetherness filled the joint Halal Bihalal event that brought together stakeholders from private higher education institutions (PTS) in West Java. The event held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in the 17th-floor auditorium of the UNIKOM Smart Building, showcasing synergy between the Association of Indonesian Private Higher Education Institutions (APTISI) West Java, the Higher Education Service Agency (LLDIKTI) Region IV, the West Java Chapter of the Association of Private Higher Education Institutions Administrators (ABPPTSI), and the West Java Chapter of the Alliance of Indonesian Higher Education Institutions (APPERTI).
The event began with opening remarks by the Chair of APTISI West Java and Rector of UNIKOM, Prof. 3. Prof. HC. Dr. Ir. Eddy Soeryanto Soegoto, MT. In his remarks, Prof. Eddy stated that holding this joint Halal Bihalal event carries strategic significance in demonstrating solidarity among the associations. He also emphasized that the event was intentionally organized collaboratively as a commitment to show university leaders and foundation chairs that the four associations remain united and steadfast in fostering unity.
Furthermore, Prof. Eddy highlighted the importance of the synergy fostered through the slogan “Moving Forward Together, Progressing Together, and Succeeding Together.” He stated that this spirit serves as the foundation for uniting approximately 350 private higher education institutions in West Java, where leading institutions are expected to mentor and encourage developing institutions to achieve shared progress.
On this occasion, as an appreciation, the Chair of APTISI West Java also expressed gratitude and presented certificates of appreciation to sponsors from various higher education institutions in the West Java region who supported the event’s organization, a symbol of their commitment to continue moving forward together in strengthening synergy and collaboration among higher education institutions in the West Java region.
The Head of LLDIKTI Region IV, Dr. Lukman, S.T., M.Hum, in his remarks via a virtual video, stated that in the future, LLDIKTI Region IV will further optimize various services that are currently still pending. One of these relates to compliance with legal regulations, where April 30 is the deadline for higher education institutions to report all learning activities for the 2025/2026 semester. This is crucial to ensure that all activities under the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly those involving students, are recorded and reported to the ministry through the Higher Education Data Repository.
Additionally, the Chairman of the Central APTISI, Dr. Ir. H. M. Budi Djatmiko, M.Si., M.E.I., delivered virtual video greetings for Eid al-Fitr and offered sincere apologies, both in word and deed. Dr. Budi also explained the significance of the month of Shawwal and the importance of mutual forgiveness and giving thanks for the blessings received.
Finally, remarks were delivered by the Chair of ABPPTSI West Java, Dr. H. Ricky Agusiady, S.E., M.M., Ak., CFrA., CHRM, who emphasized that the Halal Bihalal event is not merely an annual ceremony but must be viewed as a strategic space to strengthen synergy among higher education administrators and organizers. According to him, amidst increasingly complex global challenges and technological disruption, collaboration is the key to ensuring the sustainability and progress of private higher education institutions.
Dr. Ricky also urged all stakeholders, including ABPPTSI, APTISI, and APPERTI, to continue strengthening collaboration based on four core pillars. First, strengthening the governance of foundations and organizations to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to the principles of good governance. Second, improving the quality of education by ensuring that all private higher education institutions in West Java maintain competitive and sustainable standards. Third, advancing research and innovation that not only focus on scientific publications but also provide practical solutions to community problems, particularly in West Java. Fourth, adapting to educational technology through the utilization of digital ecosystems to maintain the relevance of the learning process in the modern era.
The highlight of the event featured a religious talk and joint prayer led by Ustad Dr. H. Aam Amiruddin, M.Si, on the theme “Purify the Heart, Strengthen Bonds, and Collaborate for High-Achieving Private Universities.” In his talk, Ustad Aam explained that wisdom encompasses deep knowledge, knowledge put into practice, and one’s ability to learn from every experience. He also urged all participants to use the Eid al-Fitr occasion as a starting point for self-improvement, strengthening brotherhood, and building a shared commitment to advancing higher education.
As a symbol of mutual forgiveness and strengthening familial bonds, the event concluded with a musafahah, a mutual exchange of greetings performed by all participants. Through the event organized by APTISI West Java, LLDIKTI Region IV, ABPPTSI West Java, and APPERTI West Java, it is hoped that stronger ties will be forged among private universities in West Java, while simultaneously reinforcing a shared commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in higher education. (Directorate of Pro & Hms)
