UNAIR–UMPSA community service initiative

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has joined forces with Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) through the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) to launch the Empowerment Journey @ Surabaya, Indonesia 2025. The opening ceremony took place on Wednesday (Oct 1, 2025) at the Dewa Ruci Hall, Airlangga Convention Center, UNAIR MERR-C Campus. The event was attended by UNAIR leadership, UMPSA delegates, and students from both universities.

Prof. Hery Purnobasuki, M.Si., Ph.D., Head of UNAIR’s Institute for Sustainable Community Services (LPMB), emphasized that the initiative is not merely an academic event but a genuine expression of international community service. “This program goes beyond academic exchange, it translates knowledge into real contributions for the community, especially in Surabaya and East Java. We hope it will bring direct benefits and promote long-term sustainability,” he said.

Representing UMPSA, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ramadhansyah Putra Jaya expressed his appreciation for UNAIR’s warm hospitality and highlighted the strong potential of the partnership. “I’m confident this collaboration will not be the first and the last. It can grow into joint research projects, co-authored publications, and wider academic mobility,” he remarked.

According to WUACD Secretary, Dr. Niko Azhari Hidayat, Sp.BTKV (Subsp.VE) FIATCVS, the association was founded in 2018 and now has over 40 member universities. WUACD focuses on SDG-driven community service initiatives, ranging from student mobility and collaborative research to international conferences. “Our mission is to strengthen partnerships among universities worldwide. We aim to move beyond knowledge sharing and turn compassion into real actions that uplift communities,” he explained.

The program is expected to serve as a foundation for deepening the partnership between UNAIR and UMPSA, opening new opportunities for collaboration, and advancing cross-border contributions to community development. As part of the initiative, UNAIR and UMPSA conducted a Kitchen of Kindness: Cooking and Sharing Meals activity at Rumah Singgah Surabaya, a shelter for patients and their families. Students and volunteers joined together to cook and distribute meals, fostering warm interactions with the residents. “We hope our friends’ presence brings encouragement and comfort. The residents here truly enjoy being visited and accompanied,” said Bambang, one of the shelter’s coordinators.

Preserving Geopark Kaldera Toba

The Geopark Kaldera Toba (GKT) became the focal point of the Forum Diskusi Aktual Berbangsa dan Bernegara (FDABB) a National Dialogue Forum organized by the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI) in collaboration with the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FISIP USU) on Friday, September 19, 2025. Carrying the theme “Affirming the Values of Local Wisdom in Preserving the Geopark Kaldera Toba,” the forum emphasized the significance of Batak cultural values as a foundation for sustainable geopark management.

Held at the FISIP USU Executive Meeting Room, the event brought together key figures from local government, academia, and civil society organizations. Among the attendees were Samosir Regent Vandiko Timotius Gultom, Head of the North Sumatra Office of Culture and Tourism Yuda P. Setiawan, representatives from the North Sumatra Environmental Agency, the Kaldera Toba UNESCO Global Geopark Management Agency, as well as scholars from various disciplines within USU.

The forum was attended in person by Deputy Speaker of the MPR RI, Dr. Lestari Moerdijat, S.S., M.M., who highlighted the importance of synergy among communities, government, and academia in maintaining the sustainability of the Lake Toba region.

Although the Geopark Kaldera Toba has now received a Green Card from UNESCO, we must continue strengthening collaboration so that the geopark remains connected to the surrounding communities,” said Dr. Lestari Moerdijat.

This discussion followed UNESCO’s previous issuance of a “yellow card” to the Geopark Kaldera Toba in 2023 due to weak community engagement, environmental preservation, and cultural reinforcement. Although the status improved to a “green card” in 2025, stakeholders acknowledged that consistency and cross-sectoral collaboration remain the key to sustainable management.

Local wisdom within the Batak community such as the Dalihan Na Tolu philosophy that emphasizes social balance and reverence for ancestral lands was recognized as vital social capital. These values are not merely cultural heritage but also serve as instruments for environmental conservation.

The Geopark Kaldera Toba should be approached through the social field perspective as a space of contestation and positioning. It must be understood as a shared space for all ethnic groups surrounding the lake, rather than being perceived solely as belonging to the Batak Toba,” stated Dr. Fikarwin, M.A., Anthropology lecturer at FISIP USU.

This perspective reinforces that the management of the Geopark Kaldera Toba should not only focus on environmental and tourism aspects, but also ensure the inclusion of all ethnic groups around the lake as part of an equitable social space. In line with this, several academics stressed the need to ensure that indigenous communities are not merely symbolically involved, but genuinely integrated into policies and management practices.

The ITMP Kaldera program aims to integrate both environmental and social aspects of the communities surrounding Lake Toba. There needs to be a proper screening of indigenous communities. Around Samosir, cultural heritage remains alive, but it is not yet fully incorporated into village governance and other local systems,” explained Dr. Muba Manihuruk, M.Si., Sociology lecturer at FISIP USU and researcher for the National Tourism Strategic Area (KSPN).

Beyond addressing the challenges of modernization and mass tourism which risk eroding cultural values the forum also formulated several key recommendations. These include strengthening local wisdom within geopark management policies, promoting culture-based community empowerment, and following up through collaborative research, academic publications, and community engagement programs.

By involving diverse stakeholders, the FDABB is expected to help maintain the Geopark Kaldera Toba’s status as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, while also ensuring that it becomes a source of sustainable prosperity for the surrounding communities.

Bakrie University and VIVA Group collaborate to launch creative center

Bakrie University and the VIVA Group have collaborated to launch the Creative Center, which aims to address the challenges in the media and creative industries in the digital era. The collaboration was formalized by signing a cooperation agreement by the Managing Director of VIVA Group, Dr. Arief Yahya, and the Rector of Bakrie University, Prof. Sofia W. Alisjahbana, at the Bakrie Tower in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Tuesday, 7th March 2023.

The Creative Center will serve as a laboratory that supports the development of the media industry, the creative world, and information technology in Indonesia. “We welcome this cooperation,” said the Rector of Bakrie University, Prof. Sofia W. Alisjahbana. Dr. Arief Yahya also expressed similar sentiments, hoping for positive collaboration between the academic community and the media industry under the VIVA Group. “We must quickly adapt and collaborate to face the challenges in this media business,” said Dr. Yahya.

In addition to media development, the Creative Center will serve as a testing ground for new products and provide effective solutions for Indonesia’s media and creative industries. Following the signing of the cooperation agreement, a workshop titled “Adapting Artificial Intelligence in the Media Industry” was held.

The workshop was attended by VIVA Group employees and journalists, featuring presentations from Bakrie University lecturers: Dr. Jerry Heikal (Lecturer in the Master of Management Department), who discussed Data Analytics, and Mr. Guson Prasamuarso Kuntarto (Lecturer in the Department of Informatics) who delved into Artificial Intelligence. Another speaker, Mr. Wenseslaus Manggut, Chairman of the Indonesian Cyber Media Association, addressed the Media’s Attitude towards the Presence of Artificial Intelligence. The workshop concluded with group discussions led by Bakrie University lecturers.

The Concept of Being Able to Study in University and Learn Islam (Ngaji) and Being Able to Learn Islam (Ngaji) in University

In Nahdlatul Ulama University Al-Ghazali Cilacap, religious education is not just limited to formal lectures, but also includes religious activities outside of class, such as learning Islam or “ngaji”. This is in line with the vision and mission of the university to produce graduates who are not only competent in their respective fields, but also have good moral values and a strong foundation in religious knowledge.

One of the unique features of Nahdlatul Ulama University Al-Ghazali Cilacap is the integration of Islamic education into formal academic education, where students are encouraged to balance their academic studies with religious activities such as praying and learning Islam. This concept is based on the belief that academic knowledge and religious knowledge can complement each other and produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable in their fields, but also have a strong foundation in religious knowledge.

This concept is applied through various programs, such as the Tahsin Tilawah program, which aims to improve students’ ability to recite the Quran properly, and the Tahsin Hadith program, which aims to improve students’ ability to understand and apply the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. In addition, the university also has a mosque on campus that is used for daily prayers, Friday prayers, and religious lectures.

Overall, the concept of being able to study in university and learn Islam (ngaji) and being able to learn Islam (ngaji) in university is a unique feature of Nahdlatul Ulama University Al-Ghazali Cilacap that sets it apart from other universities. By integrating religious education with formal academic education, the university produces graduates who are not only knowledgeable in their fields, but also have a strong foundation in religious knowledge and good moral values.

The university’s commitment to providing a comprehensive education that includes both academic and religious knowledge is in line with the values of Nahdlatul Ulama, one of the largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia that the university is affiliated with. Nahdlatul Ulama emphasizes the importance of a holistic education that incorporates both religious and secular knowledge, as well as the development of good character and morals.

Nahdlatul Ulama University Al-Ghazali Cilacap offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including engineering, economics, law, education, and Islamic studies. In addition to formal lectures and religious activities, the university also
provides students with opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and community service projects.

The university’s campus is located in Cilacap, Central Java, Indonesia, and features modern facilities such as a library, computer labs, and sports facilities. The campus is also located in close proximity to various cultural and historical sites, such as the Cilacap fish market and the Cilacap prison museum.

Overall, Nahdlatul Ulama University Al-Ghazali Cilacap offers a unique educational experience that combines academic excellence with a strong foundation in religious knowledge and good moral values. The university’s commitment to providing a holistic education that incorporates both academic and religious knowledge is in line with the values of Nahdlatul Ulama and reflects the university’s dedication to producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable in their fields but also have a strong moral compass.

As a university affiliated with Nahdlatul Ulama, Nahdlatul Ulama University Al-Ghazali Cilacap is also committed to promoting interfaith dialogue and tolerance. The university’s campus is open to students of all backgrounds and beliefs, and the university encourages its students to participate in activities that promote understanding and respect for different religions and cultures.

In addition to its commitment to providing a comprehensive education, Nahdlatul Ulama University Al-Ghazali Cilacap also prioritizes research and innovation. The university has a number of research centers and laboratories that are dedicated to conducting cutting-edge research in various fields, including renewable energy, disaster management, and Islamic studies.

To support its students and faculty in their research endeavors, the university has also established partnerships with various local and international organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other universities. Through these partnerships, students and faculty are able to collaborate on research projects and gain valuable experience working on real-world problems.

Overall, Nahdlatul Ulama University Al-Ghazali Cilacap is a unique and innovative institution that is committed to providing a comprehensive education that integrates both academic and religious knowledge. Through its commitment to research, innovation, and interfaith dialogue, the university is helping to shape the future of Indonesia and the world.

FISIP USU Supports Local Coffee Growth

From village fields to international markets, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) is helping coffee farmers in Desa Sinaman II, Sidamanik, Simalungun, improve product quality and expand global opportunities. Despite rich potential in coffee, horticulture, and local crafts, farmers face limited income due to traditional production methods and restricted market access. This initiative showcases how social science knowledge can create tangible community impact.

The program blends hands-on training, technology adoption, and mentoring. Farmers learn Good Agricultural Practices and operate modern equipment, including electric grinders and compact roasters with three-kilogram cooling airflow. These tools are expected to boost daily coffee production from fifty kilograms to between one hundred and one hundred fifty kilograms, while technical and machine handling skills increase by forty to fifty percent.

Business management is strengthened through coaching in financial recording, cost planning, organization, and marketing strategies. Digital marketing, attractive packaging, and identification of local and international markets extend the reach of Sinaman II coffee beyond traditional boundaries.

The initiative is led by M. Muhammad Arifin Nasution, Hatta Ridho, Sri Alem Br. Sembiring, Hafizhah Salsabila Harahap, and Nuri Jannaturrahmi Tambusai, with Desa Sinaman II as the main partner and technical support from the Tebing Tinggi Agriculture Department. Running from April to November, the project aims to increase farmers’ income, enhance product quality, and strengthen global competitiveness.

The program contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, supporting poverty reduction (SDG 1) through higher income, sustainable agriculture (SDG 2) with improved farming practices, and decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) via entrepreneurial skills and market expansion. By integrating these goals, the project fosters social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

For the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences Universitas Sumatera Utara, the program highlights the application of academic knowledge in real-world community development. Students gain practical experience, leadership skills, and opportunities to implement theory, bridging education with meaningful social impact. This initiative sets a model for sustainable development while helping Sinaman II coffee farmers thrive in global markets.

INC highlights healthcare solutions

The Faculty of Nursing (FKp) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) hosted the 16th International Nursing Conference (INC), themed Advancing Global Health: Innovation and Collaborative Nursing Solutions for a Climate-Resilient Future. The event brought together experts, researchers, practitioners, and academics from across the globe. It was held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Candradimuka Hall, 9th Floor, Shared Lecture Building, MERR-C Campus.

The conference underscored UNAIR’s commitment to preparing future nurses and healthcare professionals who are skilled, adaptable, and ready to confront tomorrow’s challenges. More than a ceremonial gathering, the event laid a foundation for strengthening the nursing profession. This commitment includes improving teaching and learning, supporting academic mobility, conducting impactful research, and fostering community engagement.

Delivering opening remarks, UNAIR Vice Rector for Academic, Student, and Alumni Affairs, Prof. Mochammad Amin Alamsjah, formally inaugurated the 16th INC. He underscored the climate change has become a pressing issue with far-reaching consequences for global health—a complex challenge affecting the well-being and sustainability of communities worldwide.

“Recognizing the importance of global health, along with cross-cultural communication and innovative digital strategies, is essential to broadening health perspectives. Developing a global health mindset can be achieved by educating people about cultural differences in healthcare practices,” Prof. Alamsjah said. Such education, he added, helps reshape perceptions and encourages individuals to adopt healthier behaviors.

The international conference served not only as a platform to exchange insights but also as a source of inspiration for medical and health professionals confronting evolving challenges. Participants gained valuable perspectives on the latest nursing practices and knowledge at both national and international levels.

The successful event reflected UNAIR’s strong commitment to advancing the field. Prof. Alamsjah expressed deep appreciation for the dedication and effort that made the conference possible. Over the years, the INC has proven to be a reliable forum for elevating nursing science and practice across Indonesia and beyond.

Looking ahead, UNAIR aims to sustain and strengthen collaborations established through the conference. This step, the university emphasized, is crucial to ensuring continued progress in healthcare and delivering tangible benefits for society.

“May this conference proceed smoothly and productively, driving impactful research, meaningful collaboration, and lasting contributions to global health,” Prof. Alamsjah concluded.

FK UNAIR assists measles outbreak response

The Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga (FK UNAIR) is actively supporting the implementation of the Measles Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) program in Sumenep Regency, East Java. The program runs from Monday, August 25, 2025, through Saturday, September 6, 2025, following the declaration of a measles outbreak that has already claimed multiple lives in the region.

The measles outbreak response is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), the East Java Provincial Health Office, the Sumenep Regency Health Office, FK UNAIR, and the Faculty of Public Health. On Wednesday (August 27, 2025), FK UNAIR Vice Dean III Dr. Sulistiawati, dr., M.Kes., stated that the urgent demand for physicians in the ORI program prompted UNAIR’s involvement.

“Vaccination teams on-site are fully staffed, but additional physician support remains necessary, especially for advocacy and supervision. That is why FK UNAIR deployed a team, particularly from the Department of Pediatrics,” she explained.

The FK UNAIR team was dispatched in three waves. The first group, led by dr. Dwi Yanti Puspitasari, DTMH, MCTM, Sp.A(K), along with dr. Alpha Fardah Athiyyah, Sp.A(K), and other pediatric residents, immediately coordinated with the Ministry of Health and local officials to identify areas with the lowest immunization coverage.

“Our support is focused on communities where ORI coverage is still below 10 percent. One example is TK Qurrota Ayun, where 200 children were targeted for vaccination,” explained dr. Athiyyah.

Alongside immunizations, the team also conducted educational sessions for parents and healthcare workers, while overseeing screening and post-vaccination monitoring.

In addition to assisting with vaccinations, the FK UNAIR team ensured that healthcare workers were prepared to manage potential Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI). Public outreach efforts emphasized the importance of measles vaccines and the proper medical response to possible side effects.

“The critical message is that measles is highly contagious and can be fatal if not prevented through immunization. Vaccination not only protects children individually but also safeguards the community,” stressed dr. Puspitasari.

Preliminary reports show that the number of measles patients at Sumenep General Hospital has decreased from 22 to 6. However, fatalities caused by pneumonia-related complications remain a serious concern. “Most patients arrive late and already in severe condition, making treatment extremely difficult,” said dr. Puspitasari.

She also emphasized that ORI is provided to all children within the eligible age group, regardless of their prior vaccination history. “The goal of ORI is to protect every child. The decision is based on the child’s health at the time of vaccination. If the child is sick or has a fever, the vaccine is postponed. If healthy, the vaccine is administered,” she explained.

By carrying out ORI simultaneously, health officials hope to expand vaccine coverage and curb measles transmission. Through collaboration between national and regional authorities and academic institutions, UNAIR continues to strengthen its role in advancing public health while contributing to measles outbreak response efforts in Indonesia.

Coalition for Justice

The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FISIP USU), hosted a meeting of the Civil Society Coalition in Medan, bringing together 18 organizations committed to advancing restorative justice in narcotics-related cases. The forum underlined that collaboration among universities, professional associations, and grassroots organizations can create more humane and effective alternatives to punitive approaches.

The event was organized in partnership with the Indonesian Addiction Counselors Association (IKAI) North Sumatra, Yayasan Karisma, Yayasan Galatea, and the Social Welfare Study Program of FISIP USU, with support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation. A wide range of organizations including LBH Medan, PUSAKA Indonesia, Yayasan Medan Plus, and Yayasan Rumah Harapan Sehat took part, reflecting the coalition’s inclusive and diverse character.

Structured around plenary presentations and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), the forum encouraged participants to exchange insights and develop practical strategies. From these discussions, three main priorities were identified: strengthening the coalition’s institutional capacity, improving documentation of restorative justice practices carried out by the police, and building sustainable advocacy frameworks that ensure long-term collaboration.

One FGD sparked particular interest by proposing the establishment of a Medan City branch of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN). Developed in cooperation with the Medan Regional Research Agency (BRIDA) and FISIP USU, the idea was viewed as an important opportunity to enhance local capacity in addressing narcotics issues through prevention, law enforcement, and rehabilitation programs.

Participants also emphasized that restorative justice should be seen not only as a legal mechanism but also as a pathway to broader social justice. They highlighted that this approach is more effective in repairing relationships between offenders, victims, and communities, while also reducing the recurrence of minor narcotics offenses. Such perspectives demonstrate a growing awareness that justice systems must be adapted to social contexts rather than relying solely on punitive measures.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to build stronger, more systematic, and sustainable cooperation between civil society organizations and law enforcement agencies. Participants expressed optimism that the outcomes of this forum will help shape a justice system that is legally sound, socially responsive, and rooted in values of fairness, inclusivity, and humanity.

By positioning restorative justice within both legal and social frameworks, the coalition seeks to advance reforms that not only address narcotics cases more effectively but also strengthen community resilience and compassion in the long run.

Summer Program FPEB UPI & Universiti Malaya

The Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Education (FPEB) at the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), Prof. Dr. Ratih Hurriyati, M.P., CSBA, officially opened the series of activities for The 6th FPEB Summer Program 2025, an annual international academic program that brings together students and academics from FPEB UPI and Universiti Malaya, Malaysia.

The 6th FPEB Summer Program 2025 not only provides academic experience, but also opens up opportunities for cultural interaction and soft skills development among participants. Through this activity, it is hoped that a broader understanding will be built regarding the importance of cross-border collaboration in developing joint solutions to future global challenges.

The objective of the 6th FPEB Summer Program 2025 is to build a cross-border collaboration space in the fields of education and business, as well as to become a forum for the exchange of knowledge, culture, and global perspectives for participants.

The first day of the 6th FPEB Summer Program began with an opening ceremony, followed by a tour of the UPI campus using the UPI Shuttle as part of an introduction to the academic environment and local culture. This was followed by two main sessions held in the FPEB Smartclass room. The first session focused on Design Thinking for Global Problem Solving, discussing how creative and innovative thinking approaches can be used to address various cross-border challenges

The event continued with a presentation on the topic of We Can Solve By Using The Same Kind Design Thinking and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Business Innovation, which discussed the role of artificial intelligence in supporting sustainable innovation in the business world. Participants were active in discussions and Q&A sessions, showing enthusiasm in understanding the role of technology in shaping the future of global industry.

The second day of the 6th FPEB Summer Program began with an introduction to the various facilities at the Faculty of Economics and Business Education to the participants. They had the opportunity to visit several laboratories, including the Microteaching Laboratory for teaching practice, the Forensic Laboratory for accounting examination, and the Business Education Study Program laboratory for digital printing practice. Additionally, participants also visited the Space Ex Lab and the Sharia Investment Gallery to see firsthand the various activities of FPEB students outside of lectures.

In the next session, participants were divided into groups to work on business prototype projects using the design thinking method and integrating AI technology into their business ideas. On the third day, each group presented their business ideas and showcased the prototypes they had designed. Held in the FPEB Auditorium, Building A, participants received input and feedback from a number of experts, including FPEB UPI lecturers and academics from the University of Malaya.

The event continued with a Cultural Showcase featuring the arts and culture of each country participating in the Summer Program. Participants from UPI presented a variety of arts, such as poetry readings, West Javanese folk songs, traditional dances, and kaulinan barudak. Meanwhile, participants from the University of Malaya performed Malaysian folk songs and the Boria dance, a popular Malay theater performance on Penang Island that combines elements of dance, music, drama, and comedy.

ITS Robotics Team Claims 16 Global Titles

The Robotics Team from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) has once again shown its strength on the global stage, securing 16 awards at the Federation of International Robot Association (FIRA) Roboworld Cup 2025, held in Daegu, South Korea. FIRA is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the global robotics industry and serving as a platform for researchers to exchange ideas and innovations. This year, ITS participated in three competition categories: autonomous car robots, adult-size humanoid robots, and kid-size humanoid robots. 

According to the ITS Robotics Team Coordinator, Mr. Muhtadin, the university was represented by two sub-teams, Iris and Ichiro. In the autonomous car category, Team Iris achieved outstanding results by winning 1st place in both the Physics Pro and Race challenges, while also securing 2nd place in the Urban challenge. 

Meanwhile, Team Ichiro dominated the adult-size humanoid category, sweeping 1st place in five events: the United Challenge, All-round, Manipulation, Hybrid, and Mobility. Ichiro also deployed two teams in the kid-size humanoid category, which consistently reached the podium across all events. The first team captured second place in the All-round, Manipulation, Hybrid, and Mobility challenges. Meanwhile, the second team also secured strong results by achieving third place in the same four events: All-round, Manipulation, Hybrid, and Mobility. 

Before competing in the main event at EXCO, Daegu, from August 11 to 15, 2025, the ITS Robotics Team had conducted extensive research and innovation since February 2025. Their preparations included submitting scientific papers detailing robot specifications and material usage, as well as continuous evaluations during trial phases. 

The team’s accomplishments at the FIRA Roboworld Cup also reflect ITS’ strong commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering cutting-edge research and developing technologies that can strengthen future industries. At the same time, the competition experience itself embodies Goal 4 (Quality Education), as it provides students with hands-on learning, international exposure, and the opportunity to transform classroom knowledge into real-world innovation. Through these efforts, ITS not only promotes academic excellence but also prepares the next generation of engineers to create meaningful solutions for society.