HUMAS FH-USU: Pangkalpinang, July 16–18, 2026 – The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), participated in the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Western Region State University Law Deans Association (BKS), held at Swiss-Belhotel Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung Islands Province.

The strategic forum brought together deans and delegates from the faculties of law of state universities across Western Indonesia to strengthen inter-institutional collaboration, enhance the quality of legal education, and formulate innovative work programs aimed at producing globally competitive law graduates.

The event commenced with opening remarks from the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Universitas Bangka Belitung (UBB), Dr. Jeane Darc Noviayanti Manik, S.H., M.Hum., as the host. In her address, she expressed appreciation for the attendance of law faculty leaders from state universities across the western region and emphasized the forum's vital role in generating strategic recommendations to address contemporary challenges.

"We hope this forum will serve not only as a platform for strengthening relationships but also as a venue for producing strategic recommendations that foster closer collaboration among law faculties. Together, we must be prepared to face the challenges of higher education in the era of digital transformation and globalization," she stated.

The Chair of the State University Law Deans Association (BKS) of Indonesia, Dahliana Hasan, S.H., M.Tax., Ph.D., also delivered remarks, highlighting the importance of national-level coordination. She outlined the association's role as a coordinating body that promotes the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education through education, research, and community engagement. According to her, strong regional collaboration serves as a crucial foundation for law faculties' contributions to the development of Indonesia's legal system.

Meanwhile, the Chair of the Western Region State University Law Deans Association, Dr. Suherman, S.H., LL.M., presented the meeting agenda. Key topics included strengthening good governance in legal education, developing industry-relevant curricula, accelerating accreditation efforts, fostering cross-institutional research collaboration, and expanding strategic partnerships at both the national and international levels.

The meeting was officially opened by the Rector of Universitas Bangka Belitung, Prof. Dr. Ibrahim, M.Si. In his remarks, he expressed pride in the university's selection as the host institution, describing it as both an honor and an opportunity to expand academic networks among Indonesia's state universities. He also expressed confidence that the outcomes of the meeting would positively contribute to the future direction of legal education in Indonesia.

One of the highlights of the opening ceremony was the official launch of the 2026 Deans' Book, a collective publication representing the ideas, experiences, and academic contributions of state university law deans in advancing the development of Indonesia's legal system. The book is expected to serve as a valuable reference for academics, legal practitioners, and other stakeholders.

The annual meeting featured a series of activities, including a national seminar, discussions on strategic work programs, collaborative forums, and the formulation of joint recommendations aimed at strengthening cooperation among state university law faculties across western Indonesia while advancing the quality and future of legal education nationwide.