The Architecture Program at Universitas Indo Global Mandiri (UIGM), in collaboration with the Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI) South Sumatra Chapter, held an internship mentoring workshop for aspiring professional architects.
This event is part of a partnership between the two parties aimed at producing certified architects in South Sumatra.
The Chair of IAI South Sumatra, Ar. Ahmad Ardani, IAI, stated that the professional architecture program is now available at two universities, including UIGM, which has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IAI. “This professional architecture program has just been launched at two campuses, one of which is UIGM, which has already signed an MoU with us,” he said.
According to him, professional internship mentoring is crucial for participants in the Architect Professional Education (PPAr) program, which has been running for one year. Program participants are required to complete a 4,000-hour internship before they can attain the status of a professional architect. “This 4,000-hour internship is mandatory, and we really need this kind of mentoring in South Sumatra,” he said.
He added that paid, self-directed internship mentoring is indeed common in a number of other regions, but is not the case in South Sumatra. A similar event had previously been held only in Yogyakarta, while the number of IAI South Sumatra members currently stands at around 250. “This is the second such event in Indonesia after Yogyakarta; we don’t want South Sumatra’s architects to be left behind,” he said.
Meanwhile, UIGM Rector Dr. H. Marzuki Alie noted that this collaboration marks a major shift in the mindset regarding the development of architectural education at his university.
He emphasized that architectural education should not stop at the bachelor’s degree level but must continue into professional education in order to produce competent, nationally recognized architects who can work synergistically. “This professional education is key to ensuring that our architecture graduates are recognized nationally, rather than stopping at the bachelor’s degree level,” he concluded. (Andhiko Ta)
