The idea to establish the Social Science Education Study Program (Program Studi Pendidikan Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial – Pendidikan IPS) at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), was driven by the urgent need for qualified social studies teachers with relevant academic backgrounds. In practice, Social Studies (IPS) in elementary and junior high schools was often taught by graduates from various social science disciplines, such as history, economics, geography, or sociology. This resulted in a mismatch between the integrative nature of Social Studies and the specialized academic expertise of the teachers.
The development of Social Studies education in Indonesia began with the National Seminar on Civic Education held in Tawangmangu, Solo, in 1972. This seminar officially introduced the concept of integrated approaches in teaching social studies. The recommendations were later implemented in the 1975 Curriculum. The need for specialized competencies in Social Studies education encouraged the Indonesia University of Education (UPI) to pioneer the establishment of a Master’s Degree Program in Social Studies Education on May 9, 1996. This program became a reference point for many other universities across Indonesia, including ULM.
Responding to the same educational need in South Kalimantan, ULM established the Master’s Degree Program in Social Studies Education through a permit issued by the Directorate General of Higher Education (Letter No. 1771/D/T/2009, dated October 5, 2009). This program aimed to provide further academic training for Social Studies teachers with undergraduate backgrounds in other social science disciplines.
With the growing demand for Social Studies teachers at the junior high school level, ULM initiated the proposal to establish an undergraduate program in Social Studies Education. The development team conducted benchmarking visits to UPI and Yogyakarta State University (UNY) to study the curriculum and management of similar programs. Although the initiative faced delays due to a temporary ban on the establishment of new study programs in 2013, the effort was revived with a new team led by Dr. Ersis Warmansyah Abbas on June 1, 2013.
To strengthen the academic discourse, the team published a book titled Mewacanakan Pendidikan IPS (Discourse on Social Studies Education) in November 2013, outlining the philosophical and contextual foundations of Social Studies as distinct from general social sciences. The proposal for program establishment was revised and resubmitted to the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Approval was finally granted through the Decree of the Minister of Education and Culture No. 381/E/O/2014, dated September 4, 2014, officially authorizing the operation of the Social Science Education Study Program at ULM. Dr. Ersis Warmansyah Abbas was appointed as the first Head of the Study Program, with Melly Agustina Pertamasari serving as Secretary, under Rector’s Decree No. 765/UN8/SP/2014.
In its formative stage, the program focused on building a strong foundation by designing the curriculum, recruiting the first cohort of students, appointing qualified lecturers, and formulating its vision and mission. In 2019, the program achieved a “B” accreditation rating from the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN-PT) through Decree No. 1057/SK/BAN-PT/Akred/S/IV/2019. Continued quality improvement efforts led to an “Excellent” accreditation status in 2024, granted by the Independent Accreditation Institution for Education (LAMDIK) under Decree No. 216/SK/LAMDIK/Ak/S/III/2024.
Currently, the Social Studies Education Study Program is led by Dr. Mutiani, S.Pd., M.Pd., for the 2023–2027 term. The program envisions becoming a center for the development of social education studies based on ethnopedagogy in Southeast Asia by 2039. This vision is supported by a series of strategic milestones, including the improvement of graduate quality, strengthening national competitiveness in the implementation of the university’s three pillars (education, research, and community service), and ultimately becoming a regional reference for integrated and contextual Social Studies education.
The journey of the Social Science Education Study Program reflects a strong commitment to advancing education that is culturally grounded, academically rigorous, and responsive to the needs of society in a rapidly changing world.
