HISTORY OF ESTASBLISHMENT

The journey of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at the University of Jember began with a profound vision to establish a center for higher education in the Tapal Kuda (Eastern Salient) region of East Java. On September 15, 1961, the Tawang Alun Foundation officially established the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, marking it as the second faculty within the newly formed Tawang Alun University. This faculty served as the formal realization and consolidation of the Faculty of State and Business Administration initiated a year prior, maintaining the Department of Public Administration as its sole founding department.

The primary challenge during this pioneering phase was a significant shortage of qualified teaching staff. To address this, a strategic approach was taken by inviting experts and academics from neighboring major cities, such as Malang and Surabaya, to serve as adjunct professors. These efforts were complemented by the recruitment of local graduates, envisioned to become the future pillars of the permanent faculty. Expansion continued in the 1962/1963 academic year with the opening of the Department of International Relations. The establishment of this department was made possible through the academic support of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, which dispatched several lecturers to provide instruction in Jember.

During this inaugural phase, the leadership of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Tawang Alun University was held by Drs. Soepardi Soerjohartono as the first Dean, supported by Drs. Suparman Hadi as the Faculty Secretary. This initial leadership was tasked with establishing a robust academic and administrative foundation for the nascent faculty.

The national higher education landscape underwent a significant transformation in 1963. Pursuant to the Decree of the Minister of Higher Education and Science (PTIP) No. 1 of 1963, dated January 5, 1963, Tawang Alun University and Universitas Brawijaya Malang were transitioned to state-owned status. Consequently, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences located in Jember was officially incorporated as the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences of Universitas Brawijaya, Jember Branch. During this transitional period, the faculty’s leadership was entrusted to Drs. R. Soesilo as Dean, with Soenarko, S.H. serving as Secretary.

The period under the auspices of Universitas Brawijaya was characterized by a strategic mandate. At the request of the Government and the Military Regional Command VIII/Brawijaya, the faculty was commissioned to organize qualification upgrade programs for both military and civil service personnel in the Jember region. This mandate led to the establishment of the Dana Karya Department, specifically designed to accommodate students with employee status. This department was formally institutionalized alongside the inauguration of the Jember Branch of Universitas Brawijaya on November 10, 1964. The Dana Karya Department would later evolve into the robust Department of Business Administration. Thus, by the end of 1964, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) stood upon three academic pillars: Public Administration, International Relations, and Business Administration.

A decisive new era commenced when the State University of Djember—later renamed the University of Jember—separated and established itself as an independent state higher education institution under the Decree of the Minister of Higher Education and Science (PTIP) No. 151 of 1964. This autonomy brought both fresh momentum and new challenges for the faculty, which was officially renamed the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP). Consequently, the leadership structure was adjusted to a more comprehensive model:

• Dean: Drs. R. Soesilo

• Vice Dean I: Drs. Achmad Khusyairi

• Vice Dean II: Drs. Toekidjan Prawirosoedirdjo

• Vice Dean III: Drs. I Gede Widja

Following the resignation of Drs. R. Soesilo on January 1, 1966, the faculty was temporarily governed by a Triumvirate Presidium consisting of Achmad Khusyairi, Toekidjan Prawirosoedirdjo, and Soenarko, S.H. The presidium term concluded in mid-1966, and formal leadership was assumed by a senior academic, Prof. Mr. KRMTD Tirtodiningrat, S.H., as Dean. He was assisted by Vice Deans largely retained from the previous administration: Drs. Achmad Khusyairi (Vice Dean I), Drs. Toekidjan Prawirosoedirdjo (Vice Dean II), and Drs. I Gede Widja (Vice Dean III).

A significant academic milestone was achieved in early 1968 when FISIP produced its first graduates from the Department of Public Administration. These distinguished graduates not only expanded the community’s intellectual capital but also provided a solution to the faculty’s faculty shortage, as several were recruited to serve as permanent teaching staff.

The next leadership milestone occurred in 1969 with the election of Drs. Achmad Khusyairi as Dean. His administration—comprising Drs. Toekidjan Prawirosoedirdjo, Drs. Achmad Satar, and Drs. Iljas Bakri as Vice Deans—was formally ratified by the Rector’s Decree in 1970. This leadership played a pivotal role in consolidating and stabilizing the faculty’s growth over the subsequent decades.

The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at the University of Jember entered a dynamic era of transformation in the mid-1990s. This period was characterized by sustained leadership and a strategic focus on developing study programs responsive to societal needs and labor market demands. Initially, the faculty was led by Drs. Soenardjo Danuwasito as Dean, supported by Drs. Nurudin M. Yasin (Vice Dean I), Drs. Soekron Sjah, SU (Vice Dean II), and Drs. Soeranto Soerantomo (Vice Dean III).

The Era of Early Diversification (1994–1997)

During this phase, the leadership transitioned to:

• Dean: Professor Dr. (Drs.) Bariman

• Vice Dean I: Drs. Asrial Aziz

• Vice Dean II: Drs. Hendro Muljono

• Vice Dean III: Drs. Humaidi, SU

Under this administration, a significant milestone was achieved with the establishment of the first vocational program within FISIP. Through a strategic partnership between the Directorate General of Taxes of the Ministry of Finance and the University of Jember, the Diploma III (D-III) Program in Taxation was established on January 20, 1996. The program officially admitted its inaugural cohort in the 1996/1997 academic year, marking FISIP’s commitment to producing skilled experts in the fiscal sector.

Continued Expansion and Leadership (1997/1998 – 2000/2001)

Prof. Dr. Bariman continued his tenure as Dean, with an adjusted board of Vice Deans:

• Dean: Professor Dr. (Drs.) Bariman

• Vice Dean I: Drs. Umaidi Radi, MA

• Vice Dean II: Drs. Matnur Haryono

• Vice Dean III: Dra. Hendro Muljono

This period saw a highly productive expansion of academic offerings:

• Diploma III in Tourism: Established via the Decree of the Director General of Higher Education (No. 175/Kep/1998) on June 5, 1998. The program commenced operations in the 1998/1999 academic year.

• Extension Program in Business Administration: Driven by the “A” accreditation of the Business Administration program and high public demand, an extension program was launched under Decree No. 152/DIKTI/Kep/1999. It admitted its first students in the 1999/2000 academic year.

• Bachelor’s Program (S1) in Public Administration (Civil Servant Class): To address the need for capacity building within the state apparatus, FISIP collaborated with the National Civil Service Agency (BKN) under MoUs No. 7553/J25/PP.9/2000 and 03/CL/XII/2001. Initially exclusive to civil servants (PNS), the program was later opened to the general public.

• Bachelor’s Program (S1) in Sociology: This program was established to enrich the faculty’s social science discourse, based on the Decree of the Director General of Higher Education No. 341/DIKTI/Kep/2000.

The institutional structure of these diploma programs was later formalized through the Rector’s Decree (No. 2340/J25/PP.9/2001), placing the D-III Taxation and D-III Tourism programs under the Department of Administrative Sciences.

Consolidation and Leadership Transition (2001–2005)

The leadership baton was subsequently passed to:

• Dean: Drs. Moch. Toerki

• Vice Dean I: Drs. Agus Budihardjo, MA

• Vice Dean II: Drs. Radlia Kemang Widjadi, SU

• Vice Dean III: Drs. Fadholi Said, SU

This era focused on the consolidation and operationalization of the newly established programs. In November 2004, a leadership change occurred following the election of Drs. Agus Budihardjo, MA as Vice Rector II of the University of Jember. Consequently, Drs. Djoko Poernomo, M.Si. served as the ad-interim Vice Dean I for eight months, from November 2004 to June 15, 2005.

The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) entered a golden era of academic development under the leadership of Dr. Uung Nasdia, B.Sw., MS (2005/2006 – 2009/2010), supported by Drs. Djoko Poernomo, M.Si (Vice Dean I), Drs. M. Affandi, MA (Vice Dean II), and Drs. Hartono Djulianto, M.Si (Vice Dean III).

A momentous historical milestone was achieved during this period. Building upon the foundation of the Master of Public Administration Program (established in 2000)—which subsequently evolved into the Master of Administrative Science—the faculty reached its pinnacle with the authorization of the Doctoral Program in Administrative Science (PSDIA).

After a rigorous proposal process and a persistent effort to overcome human resource constraints, official recognition was secured. The Directorate General of Higher Education Decree No. 2083/D/T/2008, dated July 7, 2008, formally mandated FISIP UNEJ to conduct doctoral education. This achievement did more than just complete the higher education trilogy (undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels) in the field of Administrative Science; it solidified FISIP’s position as a premier center for administrative studies, distinguished by its unique approach: “Social and Political Science-based Administrative Science.”

Following an era of distinguished achievements, the leadership of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) has been passed to visionary academics dedicated to adapting to modern challenges.

2009/2010 – 2013/2014 Period

Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Hary Yuswadi, MA, FISIP further solidified its tradition of research and community service. He was supported by:

• Drs. Himawan Bayu Patriadi, MA., Ph.D (Vice Dean I)

• Drs. Rudy Eko Pramono, M.Si (Vice Dean II)

• Drs. Supriyadi, M.Si (Vice Dean III)

2016/2017 – 2020/2021 Period

During the tenure of Dr. Ardiyanto, M.Si, the faculty prioritized higher education challenges, including accreditation, international publications, and the implementation of the KKNI-based curriculum. The leadership team comprised:

• Dr. Hadi Prayitno, M. Kes (Vice Dean I)

• Dr. Nur Dyah Gianawati, M.A (Vice Dean II)

• Dr. Anastasia Murdyastuti, M.S (Vice Dean III)

2021/2022 – 2024/2025 Period

FISIP was led by Dr. Djoko Poernomo, M.Si., CIQnR., CSBA, a former Vice Dean from the previous period. This administration focused on strengthening internal quality assurance systems and enhancing curriculum relevance. He was assisted by:

• Prof. Dr. Zarah Puspitaningtyas, S.Sos., SE., M.Si., QIA., QGIA., QWP (Vice Dean I)

• Drs. Joko Mulyono, M.Si (Vice Dean II)

• Dr. Edy Wahyudi, S.Sos., M.M (Vice Dean III)

The New Chapter: 2024/2025 – 2028/2029

Entering the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Jember began a new leadership term that will extend through 2028/2029:

• Dean: Suyani Indriastuti, S.Sos., M.Si., Ph.D.

• Vice Dean I: Dr. Selfi Budi Helpiastuti, S.Sos., M.Si

• Vice Dean II: Budi Santoso, S.Sos., M.Si., Ph.D.

• Vice Dean III: Dr. Edy Wahyudi, S.Sos., M.M

Under this dynamic and innovative leadership, FISIP University of Jember remains committed to serving not only as a provider of higher education but also as an agent of change and a center of excellence in social and political studies. Built upon a robust historical foundation and guided by a clear future vision, FISIP is prepared to make significant contributions toward national and regional development challenges amidst the increasing complexities of global change.