Beyond the Diploma: Reflecting on Academic Journeys and the True Meaning of Work

The article begins by setting a scene of academic transition: a journey to Bandung for a graduation ceremony at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), where the author's daughter, Najwa Rashika, is graduating from the Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Design. This personal milestone serves as a springboard to reflect on the often-invisible, arduous process that underpins every student's graduation – years of lectures, practical sessions, research, and rigorous examinations.

Simultaneously, many lecturers are immersed in the demanding cycle of the Lecturer Workload (BKD) system. This administrative process requires them to meticulously document their activities and evidence of fulfilling the Tri Dharma of higher education – teaching, research, and community service. The BKD system is presented not merely as bureaucratic paperwork, but as a crucial tool for self-reflection for lecturers, offering a chance to review their semester's work, assess achievements, and identify areas for improvement.

The BKD system serves dual purposes. For lecturers, it is integral to their professional development, career progression, and eligibility for government certification allowances. For institutions, the aggregated BKD reports offer a vital snapshot of how effectively they are upholding the Tri Dharma, providing essential data for accreditation and institutional ranking processes. However, the author raises a critical question: "What have we actually been doing?" This prompts a contemplation on whether the focus has shifted to merely meeting minimum requirements, potentially overshadowing the pursuit of genuine impact and benefit from academic endeavors.

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What have we actually been doing?