Yogyakarta: Wednesday, December 3, 2025, the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta affirmed its serious commitment to the future by organizing a Public Consultation Focus Group Discussion (FGD) for the Draft Strategic Plan (Renstra) 2025-2029. Held at the Sasana Ajiyasa Building, this forum was not merely an administrative routine but a collaborative stage to redefine the “spirit and essence” of this leading art institution in Indonesia. The integrity of the event was evident from the involvement of various stakeholders, ranging from leadership and the drafting team to representatives of practitioners, including the most crucial: alumni representatives from the ISI Alumni Family Association (IKASTISI).
IKASTISI is represented by Tri Yuliyanti Setyasari, S.Sn., from the Organization Division. Her presence underscores the institution's recognition that alumni, as ambassadors and tangible proof of educational success, possess invaluable field perspectives. They serve as the bridge between campus curriculum and industry realities, ensuring that the upcoming five-year strategic plan will not only meet academic standards but also be relevant and applicable amidst the dynamics of the creative economy.
Participants of the Public Test FGD for the Draft Strategic Plan (Renstra) 2025-2029 (Photo: Ist.)
The event was opened by the Rector of ISI Yogyakarta, Dr. Irwandi, who plainly stated that this public test is the final gateway before the strategic document is ratified. In the presentation delivered by Prof. Dr. Suastiwi, M.Des., as the Head of the Compiling Team, it was explained that this Strategic Plan refers to the national roadmap. However, the core of the discussion quickly narrowed down to the need to strengthen the distinct strengths and uniqueness of ISI Yogyakarta among other higher education institutions.
The input from the reviewer speakers was very sharp. Prof. Tjitjik Srie Tjahjandrie, Ph.D., provided a critical review of the alignment of the vision with Diktisaintek, while also urging that the institution's Mission be reviewed to have a stronger binding force.
The peak of attention and visionary direction was delivered by Prof. Dr. Nizam, M.Sc., Ph.D. With an urgent tone, he emphasized that ISI Yogyakarta must transcend its designation as merely an art university. Prof. Nizam challenged the institution to consistently elevate local wisdom and humanism as its unparalleled hallmarks, even as the primary differentiator from major universities like UGM. Furthermore, he saw a golden opportunity for ISI Yogyakarta to transform into a central hub for the creative economy by building an industrial ecosystem capable of supporting graduate self-sufficiency. This perspective, of course, strongly resonated with the hopes brought by the IKASTISI representatives, who consistently strive to ensure graduates possess global competitiveness.
Practical input regarding the technical correction of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) also came from Paniradya Pati Kaistimewaan, in line with the synergy offered by BAPPEDA Bantul regarding the planned construction of the Bantul Cultural Park. All of these dynamics lead to one conclusion: the ISI Yogyakarta 2025-2029 Strategic Plan must be a living document that strengthens institutional identity, expands regional and global impact, and substantially fosters an independent creative spirit in every individual trained within it.
The participation of alumni representatives, such as Tri Yuliyanti Setyasari, S.Sn., signifies ISI Yogyakarta's commitment to fostering future architects of culture and the creative economy. This FGD is a monumental step in ensuring the designed strategy is more than just a paper exercise, but a tangible commitment to embedding the institution's identity at the heart of the nation's culture.
