The Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) at Universitas Lambung Mangkurat (ULM) once again held its annual FKIP Expo on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Campus 1 FKIP ULM, right in front of the Bauntung Stage. Carrying the theme “Inspiring Quality Graduate Studies with FKIP ULM Excellence,” the event ran from morning until evening, from 09:00 to 21:00 WITA, and was officially opened by the Dean of FKIP ULM, Prof. Dr. Sunarno Basuki, Drs., M.Kes., AIFO.
The FKIP Expo has become one of the faculty’s flagship activities to showcase its achievements, academic strengths, and contributions to the wider community. This year, the Department of Social Science Education played a significant role by presenting the IPS Cultural and Education Week. The program was designed not only to introduce the study program to prospective students but also to highlight the importance of social and cultural values in education and society.
In his remarks, Prof. Sunarno emphasized the role of social science education in character building and national development. “We use this expo as a platform to showcase FKIP’s academic potential, including how social science education contributes to shaping national character through the strengthening of social sciences and local culture,” he stated. His message underlined FKIP’s commitment to bridging academic knowledge with cultural awareness.
One of the main attractions that captivated visitors was the IPS Mini Museum. The exhibition featured a wide array of displays, including cultural artifacts, historical documents, and interactive learning media. These elements offered both educational and engaging experiences for the audience, drawing attention not only from FKIP students and lecturers but also from visiting students and teachers from various schools across the region. The Mini Museum provided an opportunity for younger generations to explore history and culture in ways that go beyond textbooks.
The Head of the Department of Social Science Education further explained that the IPS Cultural and Education Week was intentionally designed to make social science more accessible and meaningful to young people. “We want the youth to experience more than theory; we want them to engage directly with materials that foster an appreciation for cultural heritage and awareness of the role of social science in everyday life,” he remarked. This approach reflects the department’s vision of education as an interactive and transformative process.
Beyond being an introduction to the academic program, the IPS Cultural and Education Week functioned as a creative and collaborative space where the campus, schools, and the broader community could come together. Through workshops, exhibitions, and cultural showcases, the event encouraged prospective students to consider social science as a field of study that is not only intellectually enriching but also highly relevant to solving contemporary challenges.
The enthusiasm from participants and visitors alike reflected the growing interest in programs that connect academic knowledge with real-life issues. With events such as this, FKIP ULM hopes to inspire the younger generation to pursue higher education with a sense of purpose and to strengthen the role of social science education in nurturing an informed, culturally aware, and socially responsible society.
