Depok, Faculty of Humanities (FIB), Universitas Indonesia (UI) — The Center for Social and Cultural Research (Pusat Penelitian Kemasyarakatan dan Budaya, or PPKB) of the Faculty of Humanities, University of Indonesia has contributed significantly to the development of multidisciplinary social and cultural studies since its establishment in 1987. Starting as a small unit under the UI Rectorate, PPKB has grown into a research center active in applied research, academic training, and scientific publishing.
In an interview with Prof. Dr. R. Cecep Eka Permana, an academic who has been directly involved in the development of PPKB since the early 1990s, the dynamics of this institution’s journey in building research networks across faculties and institutions were revealed.
“PPKB was founded around 1987 and initially had its office at the UI Rectorate, along with other research centers. Despite its modest facilities, the spirit of developing research activities was very strong from the beginning,” said Prof. Cecep.
The PPKB’s Role in Research, Training, and Scientific Publishing
Since it was first founded, the PPKB has carried out three main functions: research, academic training, and scientific publishing. In the research sector, the PPKB actively collaborates with various government departments, including the Ministry of Transmigration. Through this collaboration, the PPKB conducts field research on social conflicts between local communities and immigrants in transmigration areas.
Furthermore, the PPKB is also heavily involved in studies of social issues in urban areas, such as student brawls, conditions in nursing homes, and social studies in correctional facilities.
“We often go present into the field to understand community issues and find solutions together,” said Prof. Cecep.
In the area of training, the PPKB regularly holds workshops for lecturers and researchers from various universities in Indonesia. The materials provided cover research methodology, cultural semiotics, and scientific writing. These intensive training sessions typically last several days and serve as a forum for knowledge transfer between academics.
The results of the research and training are then published in the form of scientific books with ISBNs. One work resulting from PPKB activities is the book “Semiotika Budaya,” which remains a popular academic reference.
“In the past, the publishing process was manual, but we strive to document every activity result in book form,” said Prof. Cecep.
Instututional Transformation and Present Challenges
Along with the changes in university governance during the implementation of Legal Entity (BHN), on the previous research center under the UI Rectorate were transferred to their respective faculties. PPKB will be held under the Faculty of Humanities, University of Indonesia.
Although the structure has changed, activities such as research and development of the PPKB program are continuously ongoing. PPKB will continue to adapt the changing of times, especially the digitalization effect to the society and culture.
“Nowadays issue such as digital humanities, AI, and the changes of social norms. The consequences of technology itself are very relevant to examine,” said Prof. Cecep.
PPKB FIB UI Future Wishes
Prof. Cecep’s wish upon PPKB is to continuously strengthen its role as the social-culture research center that is responsive for the modern age. Besides increasing the quality of research and scientific publications, PPKB is also expected to become a room for academic guidance for lectures and young researchers.
“PPKB back then was very helpful in my academic career development. I wish PPKB nowadays could be the place to learn, building networks, and development for the younger generation,” he said.
As the research center that has aged more than three decades, PPKB has it strong fondation of the multidicipliner research tradition and academic collaborator. With the continuity of adaptation along the social challenges and technology, PPKB is expected to maintain its role as the one of the driving forces behind social and cultural studies at the Universitas of Indonesia.
