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FISIP USU Participates in AICCON 2026

Posted on by mhdmayfazri

PADANG – The Head of Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Communication Science, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of North Sumatra (FISIP USU), Prof. Dr. Iskandar Zulkarnain, M.Si., emphasized the importance of strengthening international academic networks as a strategic effort to enhance the quality of education, research, and the development of communication studies.

He delivered these remarks while attending The 6th Annual International Conference on Communication (AICCON) 2026, organized by the Indonesian Association of Communication Science Higher Education (ASPIKOM) in collaboration with the Department of Communication Science, Andalas University, at ZHM Hotel, Padang, West Sumatra, on Wednesday (July 22, 2026).

In his capacity as a member of the ASPIKOM National Executive Board’s Advisory Council, Prof. Iskandar participated in the series of AICCON 2026 activities, which were held alongside the ASPIKOM National Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) and Extraordinary Congress. He was accompanied by a delegation of Doctoral Communication Science students and members of the Communication Science Master’s Student Association (IMAMIKOM) of FISIP USU, led by IMAMIKOM Chairman Mhd. May Fazri and fellow members.

According to Prof. Iskandar, AICCON serves as an international academic forum that strategically brings together scholars, researchers, and communication practitioners from various countries to foster research collaboration and advance the field of communication studies.

“ASPIKOM must continue to strengthen its international network, beginning with ASEAN countries, so that academic collaboration, scientific publications, and the development of communication studies can expand further and make a tangible contribution to the advancement of higher education in Indonesia,” said Prof. Iskandar.

He added that the participation of lecturers and students in international academic forums is part of universities’ internationalization efforts while also enhancing academic capacity and the global competitiveness of graduates.

The conference officially opened with welcoming remarks from the Head of the Department of Communication Science at Andalas University, Dr. Elva Ronaning Roem; ASPIKOM President Prof. Anang Sujoko, S.Sos., M.Si., D.Comm; and the Mayor of Padang, represented by Deputy Mayor H. Maigus Nasir, M.Pd. The opening ceremony was enlivened by a traditional Tari Piring (Plate Dance) performance, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of the Minangkabau people.

The conference then proceeded to the keynote session, featuring distinguished speakers Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nik Norma Hasan, Assoc. Prof. Elske van de Fliert, Prof. Merlyna Lim, and Prof. Anang Sujoko. The session explored a range of strategic issues, including developments in communication studies, digital media, and the challenges facing global society, followed by panel discussions and an interactive question-and-answer session with participants.

Following the keynote session, the conference continued with parallel sessions, where research papers were presented across five separate rooms. Participants showcased their studies in a wide range of fields, including journalism and digital media, strategic communication, marketing communication, social issues, intercultural communication, communication policy, environmental communication, social resilience, gender and communication, and media literacy.

Transgo Medan: Mobility for Everyone

Posted on by Anastasya Hasugian

Through the Medan Angkot Route Mapping pilot project, Dr Yovita Sabarina Sitepu mentors students from diverse academic backgrounds in promoting public transport that is sustainable, safe for women, and accessible to people with disabilities.

           Public transport is about more than simply travelling from one place to another. It also encompasses environmental sustainability, accessibility, safety, and every citizen’s right to adequate mobility services. This perspective underpins the involvement of Dr Yovita Sabarina Sitepu, S.Sos., M.Si., Head of the Communication Studies Programme at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), in mentoring the Medan Angkot Route Mapping pilot project.

Medan is one of six cities implementing the Future Leaders in Sustainable Transport (FIRST) program. FIRST is a training, mentoring, and pilot project support program for university students, initiated by the World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia and the Institute for Natural Resources, Energy, and Environmental Management (IREEM), and supported by UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions). From January to July 2026, five students representing Medan carried out the program under the guidance of Dr. Yovita Sabarina Sitepu, S.Sos., M.Si.

The five students come from various academic programs and universities, including the Architecture Program at the University of North Sumatra (USU). This interdisciplinary collaboration brings diverse perspectives to the analysis of public transportation issues, ranging from communication, urban planning, and the environment to user needs. This diversity serves as a strength in designing transportation solutions that are more inclusive and aligned with the characteristics of Medan’s community.

Throughout the programme, Dr Yovita guides the research process, evaluates the campaign, connects the team with relevant partners, and supports its field activities. She encourages the students not only to communicate their messages effectively but also to understand the experiences and challenges faced by people who rely on public transport.

The pilot project is carried out by Transgo Medan, a team comprising Muaz Al Fatah Fadhani, Zaky Atila C. Hutabarat, Putri Wadda Nabila, Amanda Wibowo, and Widya Suci Yulandari. The team promotes public transport through social media, conducts a mini field study during a Car-Free Day event, and develops a visual map of public minibus (angkot) routes across Medan.

These activities highlight the importance of developing a public transport system that is not only environmentally sustainable but also safe for women and accessible to people with disabilities. Clear route information, adequate supporting facilities, and safe and comfortable services are essential to encouraging more people to shift from private vehicles to public transport.

According to Dr Yovita, the initiative is particularly significant because student-led movements that engage directly with environmental issues remain relatively limited, especially those focused on raising public awareness.

“I hope that more people in Medan will recognise the importance of reducing carbon emissions. The government is also expected to support the provision of environmentally friendly transport facilities that are safe for women and accessible to people with disabilities,” said Dr Yovita.

Her mentorship demonstrates how universities can play an active role in addressing urban challenges. Through field research, digital campaigns, and interdisciplinary collaboration, students are not only extending their learning beyond the classroom but also helping to raise public awareness of sustainable mobility.

Guided by the spirit of “Connecting Roads, Easing Journeys,” the Medan Angkot Route Mapping pilot project is expected to mark an important first step towards a more informative, inclusive, and sustainable public transport system for everyone in Medan.

Sharpening the Global Role of Anthropology

Posted on by Fotarisman Zaluchu

Anthropology has become an increasingly vital field in addressing today’s complex public issues. As many societal challenges intersect with public interests, there is a growing need for professionals who can analyze problems through an anthropological lens, respond effectively, and propose solutions that are both context-sensitive and socially acceptable. This perspective emerged during a meeting of founders and lecturers of the Master’s Program in Anthropology at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU). The discussion highlighted the strategic importance of anthropology in shaping inclusive and evidence-based policies. “We need graduates who are strong in research and critical thinking skills, capable of encouraging stakeholders to accept and implement more inclusive policies across various social arenas,” said Dr. Zulkifli Lubis, MA, a senior lecturer, when asked to share his views.

The meeting served as a final preparation for the launch of the Master’s Program in Anthropology, which is set to welcome its first cohort this year. The program aims to position itself within the global academic landscape by fostering collaboration and advancing public anthropology.

“We welcome collaboration in education and research. We are open to faculty and student exchanges with universities worldwide. We hope the values and core principles of public anthropology can contribute to global social science discourse,” said Dr. Fotarisman Zaluchu, Head of the Department. This year, the program has attracted dozens of applicants, reflecting a strong and growing interest in anthropology as a field of study.

INUCost strengthens research collaboration

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

International research collaboration serves as a vital key to delivering solutions for various global challenges. Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) reaffirmed this commitment through its Directorate of Research and Innovation by hosting the Early Research Dissemination Forum for the Indonesian-Netherlands Universities Consortium on Sustainable Futures (INUCoST). The event took place on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Majapahit Room, ASEEC Tower, Dharmawangsa-B Campus, UNAIR. This forum served as a platform to monitor the progress of eight collaborative research projects funded by the 2024–2026 INUCoST grant while simultaneously strengthening the synergy between Indonesian higher education institutions and the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus (LDE) Universities to build a sustainable future.

The Vice Rector for Academic, Student, and Alumni Affairs, Prof Ir Mochammad Amin Alamsjah MSi PhD, stated that this forum was far more than a mere agenda for presenting preliminary research findings. According to him, the event provided a reflective space for researchers to evaluate their milestones. Furthermore, it offered an arena to exchange cross-disciplinary ideas while reinforcing the foundation of the Indonesian-Dutch research partnership. “This forum is not just a formality to present initial research findings. It is also an opportunity to reflect on progress, exchange ideas across disciplines, and strengthen partnerships. This is what will shape the next stage of our collaborative research,” he noted.

Prof Alamsjah added that the research themes in INUCoST, ranging from biodiversity, artificial intelligence, and smart cities to energy transition hold immense relevance to global challenges while supporting Indonesia’s sustainable development agenda. He emphasized that transnational collaboration is a critical factor in producing research that is not only academically excellent but also impactful for society. “At Universitas Airlangga, we believe that impactful research is born from collaboration that transcends institutional and national boundaries. Excellent research does not merely generate high-quality publications, but also provides tangible benefits to society. Ultimately, it also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he stated.

The Education and Science Attache of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Indonesia, Yvonne Klers, commended the close academic relationship between Indonesia and the Netherlands, which has continued to flourish over recent years. Throughout her service of more than three years in Indonesia, she has witnessed an equally profound enthusiasm from both nations to foster collaboration in higher education and research. “Universities in Indonesia and the Netherlands are truly well-connected and share the same passion for collaboration. It is this mutual enthusiasm from both parties that keeps this cooperation growing,” she expressed.

Furthermore, Yvonne Klers evaluated INUCoST as an exemplary model of international collaboration capable of addressing shared challenges through multidisciplinary research. In her view, the eight research projects possess great potential to generate local solutions that can be applied on a global scale. “INUCoST is a prime example of how a consortium can collaborate on a multi-year project to bring local solutions to global challenges. This program holds vast potential to create positive impact and transformation for communities in Indonesia, the Netherlands, and the world,” she stated.

Commitment toward the program’s sustainability also came from various stakeholders. The Head of the Research Grant Division at LPDP, Adisty Dwi Lestari, revealed that LPDP, alongside the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, has optimally funded the eight INUCoST research projects. “Moving forward, we will strengthen research collaboration while integrating it with scholarship programs. This ensures that the development of research and human resources progresses cohesively in accordance with national priorities,” she explained.

In alignment with this sentiment, the Head of the Research Division at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Erlin Puspaputri SSi MSc, praised UNAIR for serving as the inaugural host of INUCoST. She expressed hope that this forum would generate high-quality scientific outputs while solidifying the academic partnership between Indonesia and the Netherlands. “We hope the INUCoST projects produce meaningful scientific outputs. Additionally, we hope it strengthens the academic partnership between the two countries, and most importantly, delivers a tangible impact for the community,” she concluded.

Through this forum, UNAIR has once again reaffirmed its active commitment to building international research collaborations. The meeting served not only as a space to disseminate preliminary research outcomes, but also as a strategic forum for both nations. It provided an opportunity to design future innovations and continuous cooperation between Indonesia and the Netherlands in realizing a more sustainable future through impactful research.

Aligning Organizational Leadership at USU

Posted on by Fotarisman Zaluchu

Leading organizations within an academic environment presents a distinct set of challenges. The ability to make strategic decisions while maintaining the quality of graduates has become a key priority. In this context, leaders at the foundational level, namely Study Programs and Departments, are expected to act as drivers of knowledge transformation while simultaneously enhancing global reputation. This perspective was highlighted by Dr. Sri Alem Br. Sembiring, Head of the Undergraduate Program in Social Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, following a leadership briefing delivered by the Rector of Universitas Sumatera Utara, Prof. Muryanto Amin.

During the presentation on the university’s strategic direction, the Rector emphasized that USU has now entered the Era of  Ultimate Excellence. This milestone reflects a long journey over recent years and opens significant opportunities for further advancement in the future.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Master’s Program in Anthropology, Dr. Fotarisman Zaluchu, noted that new approaches are required in organizational management. He stressed the importance of adopting technological advancements, strengthening networking, and engaging with the industrial sector as part of institutional development.

The three-day leadership briefing was attended by hundreds of heads of Study Programs and Departments across Universitas Sumatera Utara.

UC Sweeps Global Case Contest in GMBCC

Posted on by Lin Manuel

Team K Square from Universitas Ciputra (UC) Indonesia, led by Kelvin William, secured every competitive award presented at the 2026 Gadjah Mada International Business Case Competition. The team emerged as Overall Champion while also receiving Best Individual Speaker, Best Team Presentation and Best Debate Team.

The international competition brought together participants representing 33 universities from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, the Philippines and Canada. Throughout the competition, students were required to analyse complex business challenges, formulate evidence-based recommendations and defend their proposed strategies before panels of judges.

Business case competitions simulate the work of management consultants by requiring participants to make strategic decisions under limited time and incomplete information. Team K Square’s complete awards sweep demonstrated its ability to combine analytical thinking, commercial judgement, teamwork and persuasive communication across every assessed dimension.

The achievement reflects Universitas Ciputra’s emphasis on entrepreneurship, experiential learning and the practical application of business knowledge. It also provides students with an opportunity to benchmark their capabilities internationally, strengthening UC’s presence within the global higher education and business competition community.

UC Sweeps Global Case Contest in GMBCC

Posted on by Lin Manuel

Team K Square from Universitas Ciputra (UC) Indonesia, led by Kelvin William, secured every competitive award presented at the 2026 Gadjah Mada International Business Case Competition. The team emerged as Overall Champion while also receiving Best Individual Speaker, Best Team Presentation and Best Debate Team.

The international competition brought together participants representing 33 universities from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, the Philippines and Canada. Throughout the competition, students were required to analyse complex business challenges, formulate evidence-based recommendations and defend their proposed strategies before panels of judges.

Business case competitions simulate the work of management consultants by requiring participants to make strategic decisions under limited time and incomplete information. Team K Square’s complete awards sweep demonstrated its ability to combine analytical thinking, commercial judgement, teamwork and persuasive communication across every assessed dimension.

The achievement reflects Universitas Ciputra’s emphasis on entrepreneurship, experiential learning and the practical application of business knowledge. It also provides students with an opportunity to benchmark their capabilities internationally, strengthening UC’s presence within the global higher education and business competition community.

Insight from Population Conference at USU

Posted on by Fotarisman Zaluchu

The 1st International Conference on Population and Family Development (ICoPoF) 2026 underscored the critical role of social structures, particularly the family, in sustaining a nation’s future, with a special emphasis on Indonesia. This central theme emerged consistently throughout presentations and discussions during the conference. The event, held at the Universitas Sumatera Utara campus, was attended by more than 100 participants from various academic and professional backgrounds.

One of the participants, Nadya Fortuna Gunawan, a master’s student in anthropology, highlighted the importance of strengthening family institutions. She noted that in Indonesia, where the family remains a central socio-cultural unit, preparing and empowering families is essential for long-term national development. Reflecting on the conference, Nadya emphasized that socio-cultural values should be integrated into government programs aimed at achieving Indonesia Emas 2045. Inspired by the discussions, she expressed her intention to conduct field-based research as part of her academic projects in the anthropology master’s program.

The Master’s Program in Anthropology at Universitas Sumatera Utara, which welcomed its first cohort in 2026, is designed to strengthen research capacity. The program aims to produce graduates who are credible and competent in applying anthropological perspectives to public policy at both national and global levels. In addition to Nadya, the conference was also attended by Dr. Fotarisman Zaluchu, Head of the Master’s Program in Anthropology.

UNAIR – OIC COMSTECH expand collaboration

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Collaboration between Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) and OIC-COMSTECH (Organization of Islamic Cooperation-Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation) grows stronger. One form of this collaboration is marked by the inauguration of the OIC-COMSTECH office at WUACD Secretariat, ASEEC Tower, Dharmawangsa-B Campus UNAIR. Not only about office inauguration. Cooperation between UNAIR and OIC-COMSTECH, which is based in Pakistan, also brings various benefits for both parties, particularly in the field of diplomacy. This cooperation also received support from the Government of Pakistan.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Indonesia, HE Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri explained that Pakistan opens great opportunities for Indonesian citizens, especially UNAIR, to conduct international research. This is marked by signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in educational and medical fields. This cooperation will also open doors wide for joint research, faculty exchange, and student mobility for UNAIR. “We are open to faculty exchange, joint research, and student mobility. In the health sector, Pakistani doctors will come to Indonesia to help with services. Likewise, the same goes for medical students of Universitas Airlangga,” Ambassador Chaudhri explained.

Not only educational diplomacy, both Indonesia and Pakistan, represented in this matter by UNAIR and OIC-COMSTECH, also open cooperation to face geopolitical issues. Both Indonesia and Pakistan are countries with large Muslim populations. Ambassador Chaudhri emphasized that this massive demographic strength must be converted into real influence on the global stage. Therefore, this collaboration between Pakistan and UNAIR must be welcomed well by the community. “The community must see that cooperation between the Embassy of Pakistan and Universitas Airlangga will bring broad impact, especially for UNAIR students who want to go to Pakistan to conduct research,” he emphasized.

“Please consider Pakistan as your second home. We look forward to the presence of Universitas Airlangga academic community there,” Ambassador Chaudhri concluded.

Three universities join WUACD

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) strengthens its global leadership through Rector Meeting at World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) Summit 2026. The forum results in international network expansion through signing of Letter of Commitment by Eastern Visayas State University, Mindanao State University from Philippines, and Bayero University Kano from Nigeria. These three institutions further expand WUACD collaboration from Southeast Asia to Africa. WUACD President and Rector of Universitas Airlangga, Prof Dr Muhammad Madyan SE MSi MFin expresses that addition of new members proves growing trust of world universities in WUACD. “Over the past year, WUACD continues to strengthen its role as a collaboration platform in education, research, community service, and international engagement. We also welcome three new institutions that we believe will open wider collaboration opportunities for all WUACD members,” Prof. Madyan said.

Prof Madyan added that Rector Meeting also serves as a forum to evaluate organization achievements in the first half of 2026 and map out future strategic direction of WUACD. Discussion results will be translated into collaborative programs within four main pillars: Innovative Education and Lifelong Learning, Social Development and Multiculture, Health and Environment, and Sustainable Economy. In addition to membership expansion, the meeting marks strengthening of strategic partnership between WUACD and COMSTECH. This collaboration will open wider opportunities for universities in development of education, research, and community empowerment.

COMSTECH Coordinator General, Prof. Choudhary assessed that international collaboration is key to facing constantly changing future of education. “This meeting is celebration of friendship. Friendship to develop science and empower community. Building future can only be done through collaboration, because education must remain relevant amidst uncertain future,” Prof. Choudhary said. Prof. Choudhary added that future universities need to adopt various global adjustments, including flexible, project-based learning supported by artificial intelligence, while still prioritizing human skills.

New members ready to expand community service impact

WUACD commitment has received positive response from new members. Representative of Bayero University Kano, Dr Aminu Muhammad, mentions that signing of Letter of Commitment holds great significance for his institution. “The commitment we receive from UNAIR through WUACD means a lot to us. We are ready to move forward together to realize various forms of collaboration,” Dr Muhammad said.

According to Dr. Muhammad, Bayero University is ready to develop cooperation through student mobility, student exchange, and community service programs. He also invited more universities to join WUACD. “The essence of education is returning to the community and presenting real impact. Therefore, I invite more universities to join WUACD. Let’s bring wider benefits to the community,” Dr. Muhammad concluded.

Through membership expansion, partnership strengthening with COMSTECH, and formulation of organization priority programs, WUACD under UNAIR leadership further confirms its role as a global university network that delivers impactful collaboration for the world community.