Accreditation & ISO Focus Group Discussion: ULM Strengthens Quality, Efficiency, and Competitiveness

Banjarbaru – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving the quality of research and laboratory services. This was demonstrated through a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Laboratory Accreditation and ISO Management held on Tuesday–Wednesday, September 23–24, 2025, at the Banjarbaru Integrated Laboratory.

This activity featured two speakers from the National Standardization Agency (BSN): Drs. Kukuh S. Achmad, Apt., M.Sc., Senior Expert Standardization Analyst, and Ahmad Hidayat, M.Sc., Junior Expert Standardization Analyst. The discussion focused on strategies for strengthening accreditation and implementing ISO standards to support the revenue-generating activities of the ULM Integrated Laboratory.

Rector Prof. Dr. H. Ahmad Alim Bachri, S.E., M.Sc., emphasized that laboratory accreditation is a crucial step for universities in ensuring quality and expanding services.

“After the ULM Integrated Laboratory received affiliation from the National Accreditation Committee (KAN), our task is to maintain, expand, and increase the number of accredited laboratories. This is crucial for improving the quality of services to the public, academics, businesses, and local governments,” he explained.

To support the research ecosystem, ULM offers a 50% discount for researchers and students who utilize accredited laboratory services. This policy also strengthens budget efficiency, as previously, testing samples from South Kalimantan had to be sent outside the region. Now, the ULM Integrated Laboratory offers a cost-saving solution while improving the quality of testing services.

The Rector added that the presence of an accredited laboratory confirms ULM’s ability to compete with other state universities in Indonesia. Several universities, including Hasanuddin University Makassar and Palangka Raya University, have sent samples for testing at ULM. This demonstrates external confidence in the capacity of the ULM Integrated Laboratory.

“We hope that all laboratories at ULM can be processed towards accreditation, with the Integrated Laboratory as the main holding company. This way, research services will be integrated, efficient, and meet high standards. The next task is to expand promotion so that ULM becomes a national reference laboratory,” concluded the Rector.

With this strategic step, ULM strengthens its role not only as a center of education, but also as an institution that supports international-standard research, contributes to the development of science, and has a tangible impact on regional and national development.