YOGYAKARTA – The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) has strengthened inter-university collaboration through a Tridharma of Higher Education partnership with the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) of Universitas Borneo Tarakan, North Kalimantan. The collaboration was complemented by a benchmarking visit to the Mathematics Education Study Program as part of efforts to share best practices and continuously improve the quality of higher education. The activity was held on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

Universitas Borneo Tarakan was represented by the Coordinator of the Mathematics Education Study Program, Azwar Anwar, M.Pd. During the meeting, the cooperation document, which had previously been signed by the Dean of FKIP Universitas Borneo Tarakan, was formally submitted for further follow-up by FMIPA UNY. The agreement on behalf of FMIPA UNY was signed by the Dean of FMIPA UNY, witnessed by Azwar Anwar, M.Pd., Coordinator of the Mathematics Education Study Program at Universitas Borneo Tarakan, and Dr. Kuswari Hernawati, M.Kom., Coordinator of the Mathematics Education Study Program at FMIPA UNY.

This partnership represents a strategic step toward strengthening institutional networks and collaboration, particularly in implementing the Tridharma of Higher Education in the field of Mathematics Education. The cooperation is expected to be further developed through collaborative activities in education, research, and community service that provide mutual benefits for both institutions.

Benchmarking Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, and Learning Facilities

Following the signing of the cooperation agreement, the activity continued with a benchmarking visit to the Mathematics Education Study Program at FMIPA UNY. The discussion covered various aspects of study program management and academic implementation, particularly the curriculum and teaching and learning processes.

The benchmarking session provided an opportunity for both institutions to exchange experiences and best practices in curriculum development, learning implementation, and various strategies for strengthening the competencies of prospective mathematics teachers.

During the visit, Azwar Anwar also had the opportunity to directly observe a number of learning facilities provided by the Mathematics Education Study Program at FMIPA UNY. The facilities visited included the Microteaching Laboratory, Computer Laboratory, and Manipulative Learning Media Workshop.

The Microteaching Laboratory supports students in developing practical teaching skills through teaching simulations and practice. Meanwhile, the Computer Laboratory facilitates learning activities that integrate digital technology into mathematics education. The Manipulative Learning Media Workshop provides a space for students to develop their creativity in designing and producing innovative, concrete, and contextual mathematics learning media.

The benchmarking activity is expected to serve as a platform for continuous mutual learning and the exchange of best practices between the two study programs. In particular, the collaboration can contribute to the development of innovative learning practices, the effective integration of technology and learning media, and the management of facilities that support the preparation of competent and adaptive future mathematics teachers.

Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals

The collaboration between FMIPA UNY and FKIP Universitas Borneo Tarakan is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, SDG 9, and SDG 17.

SDG 4 – Quality Education

The partnership and benchmarking activities contribute to improving the quality of education through the exchange of best practices in curriculum development, teaching and learning, prospective teacher competency development, and the utilization of educational technology and learning facilities. These efforts support the continuous improvement of mathematics teacher education and the preparation of graduates who are equipped to respond to the changing demands of education.

SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

The collaboration between the two higher education institutions represents a strategic partnership to strengthen the implementation of the Tridharma of Higher Education. The agreement provides a foundation for developing further collaborative programs in education, research, and community service, while expanding institutional networks and opportunities for knowledge exchange.

Through this partnership, FMIPA UNY and Universitas Borneo Tarakan are expected to continue developing sustainable and mutually beneficial collaboration. Beyond strengthening institutional partnerships, the initiative is expected to make a meaningful contribution to improving the quality of mathematics education and supporting the development of competent, innovative, and adaptive mathematics teachers in Indonesia.