Surakarta, 24 November 2025 — Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) strengthened its position as an innovation-driven university by organizing a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled “Artificial Intelligence Talent Factory” on Monday (24/11/2025) at the BPH Meeting Room, Siti Walidah Main Building. This forum marked an important milestone in UMS’s efforts to prepare for the development of AI-based talent and innovation within the university.
The FGD was attended by university leaders, heads of institutions, deans from various faculties, and program heads from disciplines such as informatics, engineering, and digital business—reflecting UMS’s commitment to building a multidisciplinary approach in advancing artificial intelligence.
UMS Vice Rector V for Research, Innovation, Reputation, Impact, Partnerships, and International Affairs, Prof. Supriyono, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., opened the FGD by emphasizing that UMS must not remain merely an observer amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence. He stated that AI has the potential to drive the next industrial revolution, making it crucial for universities to build a strong ecosystem for talent development and innovation.
In his remarks, Supriyono highlighted that preparedness in the AI era is not limited to digital learning, but extends to strengthening innovation capacity. He noted that in the future, a university’s reputation will be shaped not only by its teaching activities but also by its ability to generate solutions and innovations.
“The existence of a university will be determined by the strength of its innovation talent,” he said.
He also pointed out the growing impact of AI across sectors such as healthcare and engineering. Drawing from his experience supervising students developing AI-based preventive maintenance systems, he emphasized that in-depth knowledge of neural networks must become an essential part of UMS students’ competencies.
Supriyono encouraged all faculties and study programs to view this FGD as a starting point to strengthen curricula, research initiatives, and laboratories related to artificial intelligence. He stressed that UMS must prepare to establish a competitive advantage in data- and algorithm-driven innovation.
Following his remarks, the session continued with a presentation by Dr. Eng. Said Mirza Pahlevi, M.Eng., B.Eng., Head of the Digital Talent Development Center of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics (Komdigi) of Indonesia. His presence signaled the government’s recognition of UMS’s significant potential as a strategic partner in national AI talent development.
Said explained that the government is building a comprehensive AI ecosystem—from research and talent development to startup incubation. He highlighted two key programs highly relevant to UMS: the Indonesia Artificial Intelligence Center (IAIC) and the AI Talent Factory, both of which could synergize strongly with UMS’s academic strengths and research infrastructure.
Komdigi also expressed strong expectations for UMS to join the IAIC network, a virtual excellence center for AI research and innovation across major cities. Such collaboration would significantly strengthen UMS’s recognition and reputation in Indonesia’s AI landscape.
In addition, Komdigi opened opportunities for collaboration in delivering the AI Talent Factory program, which aims to develop 10,000 AI talents per year. With its robust ecosystem of digital-focused faculties and programs, UMS is considered well-positioned to serve as both a partner institution and a training center.
Said underlined that the government cannot build the national AI ecosystem alone. Universities like UMS hold a crucial role in supplying talent, research, and innovations that can be distributed to industry and startups.
“We see that UMS has strong readiness and great potential to be involved,” he concluded.
