Master's Program in Social Welfare Strengthens Academic Collaboration with PT Sinergi Riset dan Transformasi Masyarakat through a Social Research Talk Show

Yogyakarta, June 17, 2026 – The Master's Program in Social Welfare, Faculty of Da'wah and Communication, successfully organized a Social Research Talk Show followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and an Implementation Agreement (IA) with PT Sinergi Riset dan Transformasi Masyarakat, a consulting company specializing in research, community empowerment, and social transformation. The event was held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in Room 112, Faculty of Da'wah and Communication. The event was attended by the Director of PT Sinergi Riset dan Transformasi Masyarakat, Dr. Henri Sitorus, along with the management of the Master's Program in Social Welfare, Dr. Muh. Ulil Abshor and Dr. Aryan Torrido, as well as faculty members and graduate students. The gathering served as an important milestone in strengthening collaboration between academia and the professional consulting sector, particularly in advancing social research and community development initiatives.

The program began with a research experience sharing session delivered by Dr. Henri Sitorus, who presented insights from his extensive experience leading social research and community empowerment projects across Indonesia. He discussed the process of designing research, conducting fieldwork, addressing methodological challenges, and translating research findings into evidence-based policies and impactful community development programs. The session provided participants with valuable practical perspectives that complemented their academic learning.

Following the presentation, participants engaged in an interactive discussion covering various topics, including social research methodologies, research ethics, opportunities for collaborative research, and career prospects in social research and consulting. The lively exchange of ideas reflected the students' enthusiasm for expanding their academic knowledge while gaining a deeper understanding of professional research practices.

The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and an Implementation Agreement (IA) between the Master's Program in Social Welfare and PT Sinergi Riset dan Transformasi Masyarakat. The agreement represents a shared commitment to supporting the Three Pillars of Higher Education (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi), encompassing education, research, and community engagement. Through this partnership, both institutions aim to develop collaborative initiatives such as joint research projects, community service programs, student internships, practitioner lectures, scientific publication mentoring, and capacity-building activities for both students and academic staff. This collaboration demonstrates the Master's Program in Social Welfare's commitment to expanding strategic partnerships with professional institutions. By bridging academic excellence with practical expertise, the partnership is expected to foster innovative social research, strengthen community impact, and equip graduates with the competencies needed to address complex social challenges in Indonesia.