Mataram – The Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) at Muhammadiyah University of Mataram (UMMAT) proudly hosted an orientation event for prospective teachers enrolled in the first cohort of the 2026 Teacher Professional Education Program (PPG) at the FKIP Auditorium on Friday, January 30, 2026. The event was attended by prospective PPG students, as well as faculty and program leaders.
The Head of the PPG Study Program, Dr. Intan Dwi Astuti, M.Pd., expressed her gratitude for UMMAT’s success in securing PPG quotas in two fields of study: PGSD (Elementary School Teacher Education) with 29 participants and PPKN (Pancasila and Civic Education) with 25 participants. Although five fields of study were previously offered, this round’s PPG quota was based on a central allocation that took into account data on the surplus of teachers in West Nusa Tenggara Province. “We hope that through this program, UMMAT can make a significant contribution to producing professional and competent teachers,” she said.
The Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Dr. Muhammad Nizaar, M.Pd., Si., encouraged prospective PPG students to prepare themselves to become teachers who are not only competent but also capable of adapting to the changing times. “Being a PPG student means shouldering a great responsibility. You are no longer just ordinary students, but future teachers who will serve as role models for other students. We hope you can demonstrate your best qualities, not only academically but also in terms of attitude and integrity,” he emphasized.
The Rector of UMMAT, represented by Prof. Dr. Hijril Ismail, M.Pd., stated that being a professional teacher is not just about mastering subject matter, but also about self-development and soft skills. “This PPG program is not only about academic knowledge, but also about building the character and skills needed to become teachers who can provide solutions to various challenges in the world of education,” he said.
Prof. Hijril also emphasized that research conducted in the United States shows that 85% of job seekers succeed thanks to their soft skills, while the remaining 15% are supported by technical skills. “This PPG program will provide an experience that not only enhances hard skills but also soft skills, which are highly sought after in the world of work and education,” he explained.
The first cohort of the 2026 PPG program will run for two semesters. The first semester will run from February 2, 2026, to June 6, 2026, followed by final exams from June 8–13, 2026. The second semester will run from early July through October 17, 2026, with final exams scheduled for October 19–24, 2026. The program aims to produce prospective teachers who are not only academically competent but also possess the skills to become effective problem solvers in the field of education.
This orientation session aims to introduce students to the full range of PPG activities and provide them with a deeper understanding of the important role they will play as future teachers. (UMMAT Public Relations)