The Social Welfare Study Program (IKS) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, in collaboration with the Indonesian Association of Professional Social Workers (IPSPI), convened a workshop on Thursday, June 19, 2025, aimed at developing a methodological framework for estimating the need for social work professionals across the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

Held at Soeltan Cafe and Eatery, Yogyakarta, the workshop—titled “Methodological Study on Estimating Social Worker Human Resource Needs in the Special Region of Yogyakarta”—brought together stakeholders from academia and the professional community to address a longstanding gap in workforce planning within the social services sector.

The event was jointly organized by the IKS program and the Central Executive Board of IPSPI (DPP IPSPI), with support from the Regional Board of IPSPI in Yogyakarta (DPD IPSPI DIY). It served as a strategic forum not only to refine methodological approaches to workforce estimation but also to begin mapping the range of social service institutions requiring qualified social workers.

Dr. Puji Pujiono, MSW, RSW, Chair of DPP IPSPI, delivered the keynote address, while Irwan Fauzi, S.Sos., M.A., of DPD IPSPI DIY, moderated the discussion. Muhammad Izzul Haq, Ph.D., Head of the IKS Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, also spoke, emphasizing the importance of data-driven and research-based approaches in planning social work human resources, particularly in the context of regional social development.

The workshop drew 30 participants representing a cross-section of the IKS ecosystem, including the student association (HMPS IKS), the Social Work Professional Development Laboratory (LP3S), the alumni network (AKSES), and the Social Welfare Discussion Circle (LDKS). Their diverse perspectives contributed to a lively and substantive exchange of ideas.

Participants highlighted the need for estimation models that go beyond simple numerical ratios, instead incorporating the complexity of social issues, regional characteristics, and the institutional capacity of service providers. Discussions also underscored the importance of collaboration among universities, professional associations, and community actors to ensure both the availability and equitable distribution of competent social workers.

The workshop marked an important step toward developing a more context-sensitive and applicable framework for social work workforce planning—one that could inform policy and practice not only in Yogyakarta but potentially across Indonesia.