The Master of Social Welfare Study Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta participated in the Regional Congress (MUSDA) of the Indonesian Association of Professional Social Workers (IPSPI) – Yogyakarta Chapter. The event took place at the Pendopo of the Regent's Official Residence in Sleman on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The Study Program was represented by Aryan Torrido, a faculty member and institutional delegate. This participation reflects the program’s ongoing commitment to building synergy between academic institutions and professional organizations in advancing the role of social workers in Indonesia, particularly in the Yogyakarta region.

The IPSPI MUSDA served as a strategic platform to bring together key stakeholders in the field of social work. The event was attended by H. Hardi Kiswaya, representing the Regent of Sleman; Sugiyanto, one of the pioneers of IPSPI Yogyakarta; Muhammad Yazid, a member of the Yogyakarta Regional Parliament (DPRD DIY); Puji Pujiono, Chairperson of IPSPI Yogyakarta; and numerous professional social workers from across the province. Participants came from both government and non-governmental organizations working in the field of social welfare.

As the official professional association for social workers in Indonesia, IPSPI plays a crucial role in shaping policy direction and enhancing professional capacities. The MUSDA’s agenda included electing new leadership for the regional board and drafting strategic action plans. The Master of Social Welfare Program views its involvement in this forum as a meaningful contribution to professional development and as a way to align academic advancement with current social dynamics.

One of the key issues discussed during the congress was the acceleration of formal legal recognition through the issuance of professional licenses for social workers. This is in line with Law No. 14/2019 on Social Workers, which formally acknowledges the role of professional social workers as essential actors in Indonesia's national social protection and welfare systems. IPSPI continues to advocate for the government to expedite regulatory frameworks and operationalize licensing systems that protect both practitioners and the public they serve.

Another strategic agenda point was the formulation of a methodology for mapping the demand for social workers in different regions, including the standardization of competencies and equitable distribution based on local needs. The Master’s Program paid close attention to this issue, particularly given its contribution through research and collaboration with local governments and social institutions in producing data and evidence-based models for intervention.

The partnership between IPSPI and the Master of Social Welfare Program represents a robust collaboration between the academic and professional sectors. The Study Program recognizes the importance of ensuring its graduates meet not only academic standards but also professional competencies as defined by IPSPI. As part of this commitment, future joint initiatives are planned, including certification workshops, professional seminars, and integrated fieldwork training programs.

This participation also reflects the Study Program’s efforts to expand its institutional network and contribute to a more responsive and sustainable social welfare education ecosystem. Engagements in events like the IPSPI MUSDA reinforce the program’s strategic positioning as an academic partner in the professional development of social work and in achieving socially just welfare outcomes both locally and nationally.

Upholding the credo "Keeping Humanity at Heart," the Master of Social Welfare Program remains committed to being part of holistic social solutions through collaborative and participatory academic approaches. Participation in the 2025 IPSPI Regional Congress is a concrete step toward solidifying the program’s role as a strategic partner in advancing the profession and impact of social work in Indonesia.