FIB Unhas — Makassar, May 19, 2025, the Prof. Mattulada Hall at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Hasanuddin (FIB Unhas), felt full of spirit and meaning that morning. Since ten o’clock, the space that usually serves as a room for discussion and cultural performances had transformed into a stage for leadership transition.
The invitees began to arrive—staff, lecturers, students, and alumni. Those who knew each other exchanged warm pleasantries; those who didn’t simply exchanged smiles. Present at the event were members of the FIB Senate, professors, heads of departments, heads of S1, S2, and S3 study programs, and representatives from the Cultural Preservation Agency. The committee line-up consisted of young lecturers and teaching assistants moving briskly.
The event was calmly hosted by A. Inayah Soraya, S.S., M.Hum., a lecturer from the English Literature Department. The “Indonesia Raya” anthem, the Unhas March, and the Literature (Sastra) March were sung together, led by Andi Tenri Bali, S.S., M.Hum., from the Bugis-Makassar Literature Department. The Islamic prayer was led by Fadlan Ahmad, S.S., M.Si., from the West Asian Literature Department.
Besides the handover of the Dean’s position from Prof. Dr. Akin Duli, M.A. to Prof. Dr. Andi Muhammad Akhmar, S.S., M.Hum., the event also included the handover of the Head of Administration (KTU) position from the outgoing official to the new official, Ir. Bahtiar, S.T., M.Si. A change that signaled a new phase for the faculty’s management.
In his farewell speech, Prof. Akin admitted to sleeping more soundly since his term ended. “I used to wake up before the Subuh (dawn) prayer call. Now, I don’t even wake up for the call. It feels like a burden that was on my shoulders for a long time has finally been lifted,” he said honestly. He expressed his gratitude to all parties who supported his leadership, from the leadership ranks to the administrative staff. “May FIB become even more victorious in the hands of the new dean. Amen,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Prof. Akhmar, in his inaugural speech, emphasized the importance of continuity and long-term vision. He mapped out the transition and transformation process that has taken place from the era of Prof. Darwis to Prof. Akin. “We are not just changing leaders, but also affirming a new identity as the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. That requires the courage to adjust the curriculum, research direction, and work spirit,” he expressed.
He also highlighted FIB’s strategic role in contributing to the IKU (Main Performance Indicators) and world rankings. “There are at least three study programs that we can push into the global rankings: S1 and S2 English Literature, S2 Linguistics, and History. We must work on this as a team with the right strategy,” he asserted.
He added that publications, cooperation, and student study periods are key keys that must be boosted. “Students today, ideally, should complete their studies in four years. That is realistic, as long as we all support them from the academic and administrative sides. We also need to continue encouraging competitions and achievements, both national and international,” he said.
He also mentioned the importance of the campus environment’s cleanliness as an aspect that should not be underestimated. “Cleanliness supports academic activities. A well-organized environment reflects a state of mind that is ready to work,” he stated plainly.
As a conclusion, the signing of the handover documents was carried out by the old and new deans, as well as the old and new KTUs, witnessed by Prof. Dr. H. Muhammad Darwis, M.S., Chair of the FIB Unhas Senate, and Dr. Dafirah, M.Hum., Vice Dean II of FIB Unhas.
The atmosphere then relaxed during the presentation of souvenirs, a group photo session, and lunch, which concluded the event around 11.45 WITA. (*)
