Tangerang. Pelita Harapan University (UPH) has strengthened its academic standing with the appointment of five new full professors, bringing its total to 45. The conferment took place during an Open Session at the Grand Chapel Auditorium, UPH Lippo Village Campus in Tangerang, on Monday, April 20, 2026.

The newly appointed professors represent a diverse range of disciplines: Prof. Khoe Yao Tung (Postgraduate Education), Prof. Juliana (Hospitality and Tourism), Prof. Thomas Tokan Pureklolon (Social and Political Sciences), as well as Prof. Tanggor Sihombing and Prof. Ardi from the Faculty of Economics and Business.

UPH Rector Dr. (Hon.) Jonathan L. Parapak described the milestone as both a blessing and a testament to the university’s commitment to advancing knowledge and delivering academic excellence.

“With five new professors, UPH now has 45 full professors, an important step in driving the progress of higher education in Indonesia,” he said.

Support for the achievement also came from Lestari Moerdijat, Vice Chairperson of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and a UPH alumna. She highlighted the university’s role in shaping both intellect and character.

“UPH is not merely an institution, but a crucible of character. I experienced firsthand how intelligence and values are nurtured with extraordinary care and support,” she said, adding that professors play a vital role as guardians of public reason and contributors to science-based policymaking.

Henri Togar Hasiholan Tambunan, Head of LLDikti Region III, echoed the sentiment, calling the appointments a significant leap forward for academic quality and institutional impact.

“These professors are invaluable assets, not only for UPH but also for industry and society,” he said.

Each newly appointed professor brings forward impactful research addressing key national challenges:

• Prof. Ardi introduces a human-centered anti-corruption framework through “Self-Mindset Development,” highlighting the importance of character, self-awareness, and moral integrity alongside systemic reform.
• Prof. Juliana presents the CITRA Model, promoting inclusive and collaborative tourism that prioritizes community participation and co-creation to build a more meaningful and sustainable tourism ecosystem.
• Prof. Thomas Tokan Pureklolon explores the concept of bonum commune (the common good), advocating for ethical governance, stronger public participation, and trust as the foundation of democracy.
• Prof. Khoe Yao Tung focuses on the future of education through personalized learning and artificial intelligence, positioning educators as designers of adaptive, student-centered learning experiences.
• Prof. Tanggor Sihombing underscores the critical role of financial and forensic auditing in ensuring transparency, reducing fraud, and improving the reliability of financial information in decision-making.

These appointments reflect more than academic recognition, they reinforce UPH’s mission to contribute meaningfully to national development. By fostering innovation, ethical leadership, and interdisciplinary thinking, UPH continues to prepare future leaders who are not only intellectually capable, but also principled, professional, and ready to navigate an increasingly complex world.