FIP UNU Jogja and Ganesha Mandiri Jogja Establish Strategic Cooperation, Preparing Future Teachers Sensitive to Child Psychology

Yogyakarta, Indonesia - UNU Jogja continues to affirm its commitment to strengthening a contextual and humanistic education ecosystem. One concrete step is a strategic collaboration between the Elementary School Teacher Education (PGSD) Study Program and Ganesha Mandiri Jogja (GMJ), an institution that provides children’s psychological testing services and character education. The agreement was signed on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in the Lecturers’ Room on the 7th floor of UNU Jogja’s Integrated Building. 

This partnership is designed to open internship opportunities for PGSD students so they can be directly involved in the practice of educational psychology, particularly in understanding the character and potential of elementary school–aged children. GMJ is known for actively organizing psychological testing services in regions such as the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), Central Java, East Java, and West Java. 

The inaugural meeting between both parties took place in a warm atmosphere full of collaborative spirit. Present from UNU Jogja were the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Education, Haryanto Subyantoro; the Head of the PGSD Study Program, Mustamid; and the PGSD Program Secretary, Diah Puji Lestari. From GMJ, attendees included CEO Pawestri Edi Purna and the Head of Field Coordination, Darwis Ridwan. 

"Through this internship program, PGSD students will engage in various field activities such as accompanying pupils during intelligence tests, explaining the technical procedures, and assisting with the initial analysis of test results alongside professional psychologists. In addition, they are given the opportunity to join parenting sessions for students that are part of GMJ’s holistic services," said Mustamid. 

GMJ representatives outlined the institution’s vision as a Psychology Center committed to developing children’s potential scientifically and professionally. "This collaboration is expected to provide hands-on practical experience for students, while strengthening their capacity to address the diversity of children’s characters in elementary education," said Darwis. 

The Implementation Agreement (IA) was signed by PGSD Head, Mustamid, and GMJ CEO, Pawestri Edi Purna, as an initial commitment by both parties. The collaboration plan will be followed up with a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between UNU Jogja’s Faculty of Education and GMJ to reinforce long-term collaboration in education and child psychology. 

This collaboration is expected to enrich students’ learning experiences with approaches that are not only theoretical but also applied and contextual. Beyond internships, students are expected to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of psychological dimensions in the elementary education process. 

GMJ stated its readiness to provide a supportive learning environment, including adequate facilities and direct guidance from experienced psychology practitioners. Meanwhile, UNU Jogja views this partnership as a strategic step to align higher education curricula with real-world needs. 

Through this synergy, it is hoped that future teachers will be not only academically competent but also emotionally mature and socially sensitive. This is an important foundation for building elementary education that is more dignified, humane, and oriented toward the holistic development of children. [Contributor: Muhammad Alifi Aroichan—FIP]