Malang, en.SERU.co.id – Singer and public figure Vicky Shu, House of Representatives member dr. Gamal Albinsaid, Batu Mayor H. Nurochman S.H., M.H., and Probolinggo Mayor dr. H. Aminuddin Sp.OG Subsp.KObginsos M.Kes., together with his wife and several officials, have enrolled as new students in the Orientation for Education and Student Affairs program at Universitas Brawijaya’s Postgraduate School for the 2026/2027 academic year.
These national artists, national politicians and East Java regional leaders have chosen to pursue higher education at master’s or doctoral level for different but related reasons.
Vicky Shu opts for Master’s in National Defense Insights
Vicky Veranita Yudhasoka, better known as Vicky Shu, holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and international Relations. She had been looking for a master’s program focused on defense and found the National Defense Insights program at Universitas Brawijaya’s Postgraduate School.
“I studied Political Science and International Relations for my bachelor’s degree and have long been interested in defense, intelligence, conflict resolution and related fields. After searching, I discovered the National Defense Insights program at Universitas Brawijaya’s Postgraduate School, so I enrolled straight away,” said the model, singer and politician born on 8 July 1987.
She noted that the concept of defense is not limited to national borders and can begin in the smallest unit, the family. Vicky encouraged working people not to stop learning.
“Defense is not only about national borders. Even a household needs family defense. For me, defense is a fundamental principle that applies equally to a country and a household. I hope friends who are still busy with work will find ways to continue their studies, because it will certainly broaden their knowledge and perspectives,” she said.
For her final research, Vicky plans to focus on cyber issues and political psychology, areas connected to her current professional work.
dr. Gamal Albinsaid links higher education to better policy
House of Representatives member dr. Gamal Albinsaid said higher education is closely tied to the quality of policy decisions. The higher the educational capacity of those entrusted with public office, the greater the chance of producing effective, science-based regulations.
“Scientifically, the higher education process undertaken by people who hold public duties or mandates correlates with sharper ability to produce effective regulations,” said the young lawmaker born in Malang on 8 September 1989.
He views education as an essential part of lifelong learning, especially in a world marked by rapid change, high volatility, complexity and ambiguity.
“Decisions that are taken, documents that are submitted, articles that are drafted and oversight that is carried out should not rest only on opinion or argument, but on scientific processes that support evidence-based policy,” explained the Prosperous Justice Party politician representing East Java V electoral district covering Greater Malang.
According to him, the ability to produce knowledge must be matched by the ability to distribute, disseminate and apply that knowledge so it benefits wider society.
“I hope the doctoral education I am pursuing will sharpen my analytical and critical thinking skills so I can contribute more effectively to my parliamentary duties,” said the member of Commission IX, which oversees health, employment and social security.
Batu Mayor Nurochman pursues doctoral studies in leadership and policy innovation
Batu Mayor H. Nurochman S.H., M.H. said he chose the Doctoral program in Leadership and Policy Innovation at Universitas Brawijaya’s Postgraduate School because, as a city leader, he needs strong academic references to formulate and implement innovative policies.
“We need a reference for how policy innovation can be created and then implemented directly within the bureaucracy and for the public,” said the mayor, popularly known as Cak Nur.
He acknowledged that transforming the bureaucracy is not easy, because changing mindsets within the administrative system takes time. With adequate human resource capacity, he is committed to encouraging Batu City officials to keep expanding their knowledge and education.
“This plan also targets staff and heads of regional government organizations in Batu City so they can continue to master’s or doctoral level. For the wider community, we have the 1,000 Scholars Program to help produce competitive generations across various fields,” said the National Awakening Party politician.
Probolinggo Mayor brings wife and officials for master’s and doctoral studies
Probolinggo Mayor dr. H. Aminuddin Sp.OG Subsp.KObginsos M.Kes. enrolled together with his wife and several heads of regional government organizations. Nine people from the Probolinggo City Government are participating, including:
- Probolinggo Mayor dr. H. Aminuddin Sp.OG Subsp.KObginsos M.Kes.
- First Lady of Probolinggo dr. Hj. Evariani M.Kes.
- City Secretary Budiono Wirawan S.Sos. M.Si.
- Head of the Financial and Asset Management Agency Pujo Agung Satrio S.STP M.Si.
- Head of the Personnel and Human Resources Development Agency Ratri Dian Sulistiyawati S.P. M.M.
- Head of the Health, Population Control and Family Planning Office dr. Intan Sudarmadi Sp.S.
- Head of the Education and Culture Office Setiorini Sayekti S.K.M. M.Si.
- Director of Ar-Rozy Regional General Hospital dr. Mohammad Ali Yusni Sp.B.
Aminuddin aims for every head of regional government organization in Probolinggo to hold a doctoral degree, raising the current proportion of around 40–50 percent.
“The purpose of studying is clear. One of the ways to change mindsets is through education. I have observed that several organization heads in Probolinggo who already hold doctorates show greater innovation and stronger performance than those who do not,” he said.
He noted that the city government had previously explored cooperation with several universities. After receiving a presentation from Universitas Brawijaya, the participants chose to continue their studies there.
“At Universitas Brawijaya we can study in a hybrid format, either offline or online, which suits the schedules of organization heads,” he added.
His wife, dr. Hj. Evariani M.Kes., who holds roles in community and government organizations including chair of the Family Welfare Movement team, said capacity-building through education is essential.
“In today’s world, if we do not adapt through education, we will not be able to achieve much. In the regions, the culture is still often too passive and hesitant to innovate,” she said.
She hopes that doctoral-level education will encourage greater willingness to experiment and innovate in government.
“With higher education, especially at doctoral level, the focus moves toward implementation. We hope there will be greater courage to experiment. Government innovation will grow when every leader has the capacity to experiment in line with their educational competence,” she concluded.
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512 new students across seven master’s and doctoral programs
Director of Universitas Brawijaya’s Postgraduate School Prof. Dr. Moh. Khusaini S.E. M.Si. M.A. said 512 new students have been accepted for the 2026/2027 academic year. They are distributed across seven master’s and doctoral programs characterized by multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches.
“Besides coming from various regions, the new students also have diverse backgrounds. They include members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the National Police, bureaucrats, politicians, members of the national and regional legislatures, and regional heads,” Prof. Khusaini said.
He views this diversity as a strength in the learning process, as the exchange of experience and perspectives from different professions enriches academic discussion.
“One program that attracts many participants from the military and police is National Resilience Science. The Postgraduate School also runs collaborative classes with the State Intelligence Agency,” he explained.
Students in the Master’s and Doctoral programs in Leadership and Policy Innovation come from varied backgrounds, including government and politics.
“We have collaborative classes that work with institutions across Indonesia to strengthen and improve human resource capacity in government agencies,” he concluded. (rhd)
Indonesian Version:
Vicky Shu, dr Gamal, Wali Kota Batu dan Probolinggo Pilih Sekolah Pascasarjana UB
