Education Synergy: Agung Putra University (APU) Fully Supports the Strategic Agenda of the Semarang City Principals' Working Group

SEMARANG – Secondary school principals who are members of the Semarang City Principals' Working Group (Musyawarah Kerja Kepala Sekolah/MKKS) gathered at the Auditorium of Agung Putra University (APU) on Thursday, 2 July 2026. The meeting was more than a routine gathering. It was a strategic step toward building a more adaptive and integrated education ecosystem. APU’s full support as the host further highlighted the importance of collaboration between educational institutions.

The main focus of the meeting was to align the priorities and direction of MKKS members. Two major agendas were discussed with the aim of improving the quality of education in Central Java, particularly in Semarang.

A Message of Innovation and Collaboration from the Host

As the host, President of APU Foundation Prof. Dr. dr. Agung Putra, M.Si.Med., opened the event with a presentation that encouraged participants to look at education from a broader perspective. Rather than simply delivering a formal welcome, Prof. Agung, who has been actively developing the research ecosystem at APU and SCCR, invited school principals to consider the challenges facing education in the future.

Prof. Agung highlighted the important role of secondary education as a fundamental stage for developing students’ critical thinking skills. He explained that universities cannot immediately produce outstanding innovators if students' interest in science, research, and technology is not properly developed from an early stage at school.

His message emphasized the importance of continuity between secondary and higher education. Through his remarks, Prof. Agung also made it clear that APU was not simply providing its facilities for the meeting. More importantly, APU and the SCCR research institution see themselves as strategic partners that are ready to support schools in Semarang by helping facilitate and accelerate students' potential in science and research.

Building a Shared Direction through MKKS Collaboration

The message was echoed by the Chairperson of the Semarang City MKKS, Rusmiyanto, S.Pd., M.Pd., who also emphasized the importance of collaboration. According to him, improving regional education would be difficult if schools continued to work separately without coordination and alignment between institutions.

During the forum, the school principals discussed the Central Java Provincial Education Policy. Aligning their understanding was considered essential to ensure that schools move in the same direction. Key issues included adapting the curriculum to current needs, improving the distribution and quality of teachers, and accelerating the digital transformation of education.

After reviewing the provincial regulations and policies, the participants moved on to develop a Collaborative Program Work Plan. They agreed to design various joint initiatives between schools to make the most of the potential of teachers and students.

A Commitment to Continued Collaboration

As a form of concrete support, the academic community of Agung Putra University (APU) and the SCCR research institution are ready to provide broader access to their facilities and expertise. Through campus facilities and community engagement programs, APU is committed to supporting the implementation of the Semarang City MKKS work plan and contributing to the development of a stronger and more progressive education system in the region.