On Thursday, December 8th, the Department of Philosophy and Sociology of Education, Educational Policy Study Program, Faculty of Education, Yogyakarta State University held a grand event, namely the "Launching of the Master of Educational Policy and International Seminar". The event, which took place in the Abdullah Sigit Room, was attended by the Vice Rector for General Affairs and Finance (Prof. Dr. Edi Purwanta, M.Pd.) who represented the Rector of UNY, as well as the Vice Deans of FIP, the Heads and Secretaries of Departments, Lecturers and Education Personnel within the FIP UNY environment.

Present as speakers at this event were Prof. Wil Veugelers (Professor of Education at the University of Humanities, Utrecht) and Prof. Dr. Siti Irene Astuti Dwiningrum, M.Si. (Professor of the Faculty of Education, UNY), moderated by Riana Nurhayati, M.Pd.

Professor Edi Purwanta, who delivered remarks, stated that the establishment of the Master's Program in Educational Policy (S2 KP) is a good start, and he hopes that in the next few years, the Education Policy Study Program will be able to establish a Doctoral Program in Educational Policy (S3 KP), considering that several study programs at the Faculty of Education already have doctoral degrees, such as Educational Management (MP), Elementary School Teacher Education (PGSD), and Guidance and Counseling (BK). Furthermore, the Master's Program in Educational Policy is supported by four Professors and seven Doctors. Prof. Edi Purwanta also hopes that this Master's Program in Educational Policy will produce a superior generation that is useful to the wider community, facilitates job search, and creates employment opportunities. Dr. In her remarks, Ariefa Efianingrum, M.Sc., Head of the Undergraduate Program in Education Policy, stated that education policy is developed with attention to the complexity of the educational context. Educational policy scholarship plays a crucial role as a foundation and instrument for educational development in Indonesia.

In his presentation, Professor Wielers stated that education policy comprises several levels, from international, national, and local, to schools that directly implement the curriculum. Professor Wiel also emphasized the importance of disseminating information about a new curriculum, given the numerous challenges encountered in the field, such as diverse teacher interpretations, inadequate human resources in schools, and inadequate facilities and infrastructure. He also stated that a good curriculum without adequate dissemination will not yield optimal results.

"It's natural that ideal outcomes cannot be achieved in practice due to a lack of socialization. This is especially true given the frequent changes in curricula, while the old curriculum hasn't been fully implemented," said Professor Wiel.

In her presentation, Prof. Dr. Siti Irene emphasized the positive impact of educational decentralization, which allows for adaptation to community conditions and situations. With this decentralization, local governments must oversee and collaborate with schools. The leadership role of school principals is also crucial for optimal implementation of this decentralization.