
On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 9:00 AM WIB, a Potluck Sharing Session was held, focusing on the processes and experiences related to comprehensive examinations, research seminars, and final dissertation defences for doctoral students. The event took place in Meeting Room A at the Graduate School and was attended by Ph.D candidates from various cohorts, ranging from the 2019 to 2024 academic intakes.
Although informal in format, the event was rich in academic substance. The “potluck” concept served as a central feature, wherein each participant brought food to share with others, fostering a warm, communal atmosphere that encouraged open dialogue and participatory engagement.
The session was moderated by Trisna Pradita Putra and commenced with opening remarks and a keynote introduction by the Head of the Doctoral Program, Dr. Budi Irawanto, S.IP, M.A. During his address, Dr. Irawanto provided a comprehensive overview of the dissertation process—from the initial stages to the final defence including detailed explanations regarding the expectations and structure of each phase.
Following this, the moderator facilitated an open discussion by inviting doctoral students who had not yet completed their comprehensive examinations to share their academic progress. Students were encouraged to express the challenges they were facing and their hopes for programme-level support to help them overcome academic obstacles. In response, Dr. Irawanto offered practical advice, proposed solutions, and shared words of encouragement to help students navigate their doctoral journey more effectively. Beyond its academic dimension, the event served as a platform for strengthening peer networks and reinforcing a sense of academic solidarity.
This activity aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 4 – Quality Education,17 – Partnerships for the Goals, and 10 – Reduced Inequalities. (AHP)