PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The West Java Provincial Government (Pemprov) officially established a collaboration with the Indonesian Education University (UPI) through the Signing of the Cooperation Agreement (PKS) for the Professional Strengthening Program in the Field of Education (PROBIDIK) at the Pakuan Building, Bandung City, Monday (15/6/2026).

The signing was combined with the Munajat Cinta activity, Welcoming the New Year and New Students 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah which was attended by the Head of the West Java Education Office, Purwanto, Head of the Education Office Branch Region I to XIII, as well as the principals of state high schools, vocational schools, and special needs schools throughout West Java.

Placement of 1,066 Students to Schools

UPI Rector, Prof. Didi Sukyadi, revealed that thousands of teachers in West Java retire each year, while the number of replacement teachers is insufficient. As a solution, UPI is deploying 1,066 students through the PROBIDIK program this year.

"Through this program, students will be placed in schools based on the actual needs of each educational institution. Placement is carried out through a process of matching the needs of teachers in the school with the students' areas of expertise," he explained.

He revealed that all the students deployed had gone through a recruitment and training process from UPI and the West Java Provincial Government. "During their field assignments, the students will be accompanied by a supervising lecturer from UPI and a mentor teacher from the school to ensure the learning process is effective and on target," he said.

Focus on Student Character Building

Meanwhile, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi emphasized that current educational challenges extend beyond budgetary constraints or the provision of facilities and infrastructure, such as school capacity. The greatest challenge lies in character building and strengthening human values.

"True education is built through role models, love, and sincerity that emerge from the family and school environment. Education is not simply about pursuing methodology or technology, but about how we shape individuals with character, integrity, and the ability to face life," he said.

Collaboration to Face Educational Challenges

The Governor also emphasized the importance of restoring the role of the family as the primary foundation for children's character education. He is optimistic that the complex challenges of the times and the limitations currently facing the government can be overcome through solid collaboration between the government, universities, schools, teachers, and parents. (Apun)