Yogyakarta – The Rector of Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani Yogyakarta (Unjaya), Prof. Dr. rer. nat. apt. Triana Hertiani, S.Si., M.Si., actively participated in the full agenda of the international leadership program DAAD DIES NMT LEAP for Transformational Change 2026 (Phase 2). The program took place from 10–13 August 2026 in Surakarta and Semarang. It is a strategic collaboration between Petra Christian University (PCU) and the University of Surabaya (Ubaya).
Furthermore, the event officially opened with a welcome dinner in Surakarta on 10 August 2026, marking the start of Phase 2 after the successful completion of Phase 1 in Surabaya. The evening served as a warm reunion for university leaders to reconnect and share Phase 1 experiences. Additionally, they strengthened networks and renewed their commitment to driving transformation in higher education.
Day 1: Leadership and Legacy at Mangkunegaran Palace, Surakarta
The first full day took place at Mangkunegaran Palace under the theme “Learning, Leadership, and Legacy.” Workshops and leadership sessions were held at Candi Ratna, beginning with a strategic briefing by Prof. Peter Mayer, an international expert from Germany and mentor for NMT LEAP. In addition, he shared insights on strategic leadership and institutional transformation. The session then continued with an interactive workshop on conflict management.
During the afternoon, The rector of Unjaya and other participants also joined a guided tour of the historic Mangkunegaran Palace, walked through the scenic Pracima Tuin garden, and enjoyed traditional local cuisine at Pracimasana. The day concluded with an inspiring talk show featuring Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya Mangkunegara X. He spoke about transformational leadership and the importance of preserving ancestral values in modern times.
Day 2: Collaboration and Resilience at Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang
On the second day, the program moved to Soegijapranata Catholic University (SCU) under the theme “Going Further Through Collaboration.” The Rector of SCU personally welcomed the participants, opening opportunities for inter-institutional exchange.
During the session, Robertus Setiawan Aji Nugroho, Ph.D., presented “Financial Empowerment: Mastering Management in Uncertain Times.” He explored key strategies for universities to navigate financial challenges and build resilience. KRMH Tatas Brotosudarmo, the EURAXESS Representative, shared insights into international research funding schemes and global collaboration opportunities. Prof. Peter Mayer also emphasized the role of sustainability in higher education. The day ended with a campus tour of SCU’s facilities, reinforcing the spirit:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Day 3: From Learning to Leading Change
Meanwhile, the third day began with a deeper session on conflict management and the Project Action Plan (PAP) Gallery Walk, where participants explored each other’s posters, exchanged ideas, and presented their action plans to gather feedback. The session emphasized that true leadership is about taking concrete actions to create lasting change.
In the evening, a vibrant cultural event was held. Participants from across Indonesia, including Sumatra, Java, Bali, Sulawesi, and Papua, showcased their traditions through costumes, songs, dances, and performances. The event strengthened bonds and highlighted diversity as a key strength in driving leadership and transformational change.
Day 4: Reflection, Collaboration, and Graduation
The final day began with a reflective writing session, where participants engaged in a thoughtful exercise focused on leadership. Moving from individual reflection to collective networking, the participants discussed opportunities for future inter-institutional collaboration, including potential partnerships, joint initiatives, and knowledge exchange across universities. The program concluded with an official Graduation Ceremony. This event celebrated the participants’ achievements, personal growth, and shared commitment throughout the DAAD DIES NMT LEAP 2026 Phase 2 workshop.
Impact for Unjaya
The participation of Unjaya’s Rector in the DAAD DIES NMT LEAP 2026 program gave valuable insights into conflict resolution, heritage-based leadership, financial resilience, Project Action Plan implementation, cultural diversity, and international research networks. These experiences will serve as an important foundation for Unjaya to accelerate its sustainable transformation, expand global partnerships, and strengthen innovative university governance in facing future challenges. [and/se]
