Tag: Indonesia

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) welcomed a visit from the Hungarian Embassy on Wednesday (June 4, 2025), highlighting promising prospects for academic collaboration between Hungarian educational institutions and UNAIR. The visit included a formal meeting held at the Rectorate Room, 4th Floor, UNAIR Management Office, Campus MERR-C.

UNAIR was represented by Vice Rector for Academic, Student, and Alumni Affairs, Prof. Dr. Bambang Sektiari Lukiswanto DEA, Drh; Vice Rector for Internationalization, Digitalization, and Information Prof. Dr. Muhammad Miftahussurur, Dr., M.Kes., Sp.PD-KGEH, Ph.D.; Deputy Director of Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE) Dina Septiani, Ph.D.; and AGE International Corners Coordinator Ahmad Safril Mubah, Ph.D. Representing Hungarian Embassy were H.E. Lilla Karsay, Ambassador of Hungary in Jakarta and Cultural and Education Attaché Patricia Nora Pankovics.

Prof. Lukiswanto highlighted that UNAIR has established academic partnerships with 24 of the 27 European Union member states. “Our international collaborations were primarily facilitated through the International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) program, which enabled approximately 128 students to study in Europe. Unfortunately, the IISMA program could not be continued due to recent policy changes by the Indonesian government,” he explained.

Strategic initiatives and flagship programs

Prof. Miftahussurur shared UNAIR’s efforts to enhance educational quality, particularly through digitalization. One of the university’s major strides in this area is the implementation of e-learning platforms. He emphasized that digital transformation is essential both as a system integrator and as a foundation for developing flagship programs.

“UNAIR’s e-learning program was launched in response to the inevitable shift in learning methods during the pandemic, marking a significant step toward adaptable, modern education,” said Prof. Miftahussurur.

UNAIR also introduced programs designed to attract international students. Dr. Mubah, speaking as the Coordinator of International Corners at AGE, presented the AMERTA program (Academic Mobility Exchange for Undergraduate and Master at Airlangga). AMERTA allows international students to study at UNAIR for one semester, offering courses that reflect Indonesia’s distinctive academic and cultural perspectives.

“This program welcomes international students interested in courses offering unique Indonesian perspectives, particularly in the fields of social and cultural studies, economics, natural sciences, and health or life sciences,” he explained.

Opportunities for bilateral cooperation

Ambassador Karsay affirmed Hungary’s commitment to advancing educational collaboration. She mentioned various academic offerings including double-degree, triple-degree, and Ph.D. programs, alongside scholarship opportunities for international students.

“We are open to broad collaborations, particularly involving UNAIR’s many faculties. We also hope to facilitate guest lectures by UNAIR professors at universities in Hungary,” said Ambassador Karsay.

She also pointed to existing partnerships between Hungarian and Indonesian institutions, particularly in research and development. “These include partnerships in education and nuclear science. We also have an MoU with Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) focusing on nuclear cooperation,” she added.

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) proudly hosted the 2025 Research Invention and Community Development Exhibition (HITEX), a showcase highlighting innovations and research from universities and industry collaborators. Held at the Airlangga Convention Center, the exhibition ran from Tuesday to Wednesday, May 20–21, 2025.

Timed to coincide with Indonesia’s National Awakening Day, UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih, M.T., Ak., C.A., expressed his pride in the university hosting the inaugural HITEX. “We’re honored and grateful to host this exhibition, presenting research from UNAIR and other PTN-BH institutions. Celebrating National Awakening Day through a meaningful and substantive event—rather than a purely ceremonial one—adds real value,” he stated.

Commitment to public accountability

As a public event, HITEX welcomed community members to engage with and evaluate UNAIR’s research initiatives. Prof. Nasih described the exhibition as a reflection of the university’s accountability for public, government, and student funding. He also hoped that the exhibited innovations would gain traction with industry partners.

“By opening this event to the public and media, we demonstrate our responsibility to be transparent with how public and government funds are used. The public has a right to see what our research yields—proof that we are actively producing knowledge and technology, and passing that on to our students,” said the professor from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB).

University that drives change

HITEX also served as a platform to underscore UNAIR’s mission of creating meaningful societal impact. The university reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national programs aimed at developing higher education institutions that generate both social and economic value. Prof. Nasih stressed that UNAIR’s research should respond to community needs.

“Our goal is for UNAIR’s products to replace materials we currently import—especially in healthcare. If we can produce these locally, why rely on imports? This is a major challenge for us as we strive to become a university that makes a tangible difference socially and economically,” he explained.

Prof. Nasih also emphasized UNAIR’s openness to collaborating with other universities to create broader, human-centered impact. He noted that this vision aligns with the university’s core strategy—delivering high personal value while contributing on local, national, and global levels.

 

 

 

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) hosted Airlangga Expanding Reach and Opportunities (AERO) 2025 on Friday, May 9, 2025. Organized by Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE), the event took place at the Boulevard Area near the Campus B Library in Dharmawangsa and welcomed more than a dozen of UNAIR’s international partners.

AERO 2025 offered students an immersive experience to explore international opportunities in education, career development, and cultural exchange. Representatives from UNAIR’s global partners set up informational booths, providing firsthand insights into programs and opportunities abroad. The event represents UNAIR’s ongoing commitment to advancing internationalization on campus.

Strengthening global collaboration

Prof. Dr. Bambang Sektiari Lukiswanto, DEA, DVM, UNAIR’s Vice Rector for Academic, Student, and Alumni Affairs, delivered a warm welcome to students and institutional partners. “I am incredibly proud and inspired by the students and partners participating in this event. It is an honor to welcome you into the UNAIR community,” he said.

Prof. Lukiswanto emphasized that AERO is not just an opportunity for growth but also a vital platform for collaboration. He encouraged all participants to engage meaningfully with global partners, hoping the event would contribute positively to the evolution of future education.

“The creativity and innovation showcased at AERO 2025 affirm UNAIR’s role as a breeding ground for forward-thinking individuals, ready to tackle global challenges. This event is part of our broader mission to forge impactful collaborations that shape the future of education,” he added.

International booths and student engagement

AERO 2025 featured a range of international booths where students could receive direct consultation on postgraduate studies, exchange programs, and global career opportunities. The booths also highlighted cultural exchange, drawing a large crowd of enthusiastic visitors.

In addition to the exhibitions, AERO 2025 offered a variety of interactive sessions that connected students with international partners. These sessions provided detailed guidance on study and career paths abroad. The agenda also included Global Talks with foreign university partners, offering insights into international academic landscapes. Another key highlight was AERO Spotlight: Alumni and Student Success Stories, which celebrated inspiring achievements of UNAIR alumni and students worldwide.

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) and PT Caprifarmindo Laboratories have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the “Implementation of the Tridharma of Higher Education.” The agreement was signed on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in the Plenary Meeting Room of Balai RUA, located on the fourth floor of UNAIR’s Management Office at the MERR-C Campus.

The signing ceremony was attended by UNAIR’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih, MT, Ak, CA, along with Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih, M.Si, Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development, and Prof. Maria Lucia Inge Lusida, dr., M.Kes., Ph.D., Sp.MK(K), Head of UNAIR’s Institute of Tropical Disease. Representing PT Caprifarmindo Laboratories was Director Riyadi Saputra, accompanied by key members of his executive team.

Commitment to strong partnership

During his address, Prof. Nasih highlighted that this agreement paves the way for a deeper collaboration between the two institutions. “We aim to support one another in conducting research that leads to innovative products beneficial to society. This partnership is not just an academic endeavor but also presents business opportunities for both parties,” he remarked.

He further emphasized the importance of PT Caprifarmindo

Laboratories identifying market opportunities that would facilitate vaccine production and commercialization. He noted that this collaboration would enhance the reputation of both UNAIR and PT Caprifarmindo Laboratories as key players in the field of animal vaccine development. “If the United States and the United Kingdom can create vaccines to address major health issues, Indonesia has the potential to do the same,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, Riyadi Saputra, Director of PT Caprifarmindo

Laboratories, described the partnership as a significant step forward for animal health in Indonesia. “The current outbreak of diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease among livestock is a pressing concern. We hope this collaboration will lead to breakthrough solutions for various animal health challenges,” he stated.

Echoing Prof. Nasih’s perspective, Saputra expressed confidence that this joint research initiative would yield meaningful results for Indonesia. He conveyed his pride in partnering with UNAIR on vaccine development and reaffirmed PT Caprifarmindo Laboratories’ long-term commitment to addressing critical animal health issues through innovative solutions.

Following the discussions, Prof. Nasih and Riyadi Saputra formally signed the MoU. The event concluded with a group photo session, capturing the significance of the partnership and the shared dedication to advancing veterinary health research and innovation in Indonesia.

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has once again achieved international recognition with the appointment of IGAK Satrya Wibawa SSos MCA PhD, a lecturer in the Department of Communications, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), as Deputy Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Indonesia to UNESCO. This prestigious appointment highlights his professional and academic qualifications while further enhancing UNAIR’s global reputation.

Embracing significant responsibility
In an interview on Monday, January 20, 2025, Wibawa expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him, recognizing the weight of the responsibility. “This appointment signifies a deep level of trust, both in me personally and in Universitas Airlangga. It is a mission I must carry out with utmost dedication. My success in this role will ultimately be judged by my superiors, the public, and the relevant stakeholders,” he remarked.

The selection process was conducted internally by the Secretariat General, but Wibawa’s acceptance involved careful consultation with his family and colleagues at UNAIR’s Department of Communications.

“My family plays a vital role in every major career decision. Relocating abroad is not just my journey—it also involves my family, particularly my children, who will need to adapt to a new environment. While it is challenging to leave my extended UNAIR Communications family, I hope this opportunity will generate broader benefits for the communities I serve,” he explained.

Advocating for Indonesia’s cultural heritage
With a solid academic foundation in communications and extensive experience in international relations, Wibawa is well-equipped for his new role. Previously, he served as Education Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore and played a key role in establishing UNAIR’s Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE) office.

“This experience has honed my ability to navigate multilateral communication across countries and cultures. I believe effective policies stem from strong interpersonal communication. Moreover, I plan to leverage digital media as a primary tool to engage with UNESCO stakeholders,” he stated.

Wibawa also underscored the importance of preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage, such as batik and Reog Ponorogo, both recognized by UNESCO. “The next priority is to implement UNESCO’s directives to preserve these cultural assets. This includes supporting local artists and encouraging youth involvement in cultural associations. As Indonesia’s representative, I aim to advance and capitalize on our prior achievements,” he added.

Urgency of global engagement
Addressing UNAIR’s students and faculty, Wibawa emphasized the critical need for international engagement. He noted Indonesia’s rich natural and cultural resources and urged the country to shift from being mere consumers to becoming producers who can influence global markets.

“International involvement is not just about appearances but about contributing actively to global issues. Let us collaborate, engage in dialogue, and take concrete action to address the world’s pressing challenges,” he concluded.

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), through the Word University Association for Community Development (WUACD), has partnered with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to launch a community service initiative. This program, part of the Community Service (KKN) Equivalency Program, took place in Licin District, Banyuwangi Regency, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

A key focus of the initiative was training local farmers on the assembly and application of solar panels to power an automated irrigation system. Muhammad Aiman, a UTM student, highlighted that solar energy technology provides farmers with an efficient and sustainable means to maintain soil fertility while reducing costs. To date, this technology has been successfully implemented in Jelun Village and Banjar Village.

“This initiative has received highly positive feedback from the local community. Residents appreciate the technology as it helps reduce dependence on conventional electricity, which is more expensive,” Aiman noted.

In addition to promoting renewable energy, the program also included a creative skills workshop for children in Banjar Village, where they learned how to weave bracelets. Aiman explained that this activity, guided by both UNAIR and UTM students, provided an engaging and enriching experience for the children.

“The children showed great enthusiasm throughout the bracelet-making process and eagerly displayed their handmade creations to the community. Village officials and residents warmly welcomed this initiative, recognizing its direct benefits in fostering agricultural sustainability and enhancing children’s creativity,” he stated.

Aiman emphasized that the community service program has provided him with valuable hands-on experience in educating communities about self-sufficient technological solutions. He also underscored the broader impact of the collaboration between UNAIR and UTM Malaysia, which extends beyond technological advancement to skill development and creative enrichment.

“Programs like this encourage further innovation, equipping communities with practical solutions to improve various aspects of daily life,” he concluded.

A team of students from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has once again earned international recognition. At the International Invention and Innovation Competition (I3C) 2025, the UNAIR team secured a prestigious gold medal. Organized by the Malaysia Innovation Invention Creativity Association (MIICA), this year’s competition carried the theme Empowering Minds, Transforming Futures. The UNAIR team impressed judges with STIREACT, an Internet of Things (IoT)-based device designed to measure work fatigue.

The team consists of Ibrahim Al Khawwas, Nasywa Dhiyaul Haq, and Diva Firnanda Azzahra from the Faculty of Vocational Studies; Imamul Aziz from the Faculty of Pharmacy; and Farhan Aldan Khairian from the Faculty of Science and Technology. Competing against 1,500 teams from various countries, they showcased their innovative project in an online competition held on Sunday (March 10, 2025).

IoT-integrated work fatigue measurement

In this global innovation and invention contest, the UNAIR team developed the Smart Timer Reaction (STIREACT), a standardized device for measuring work fatigue. The invention was inspired by the widespread issue of occupational fatigue, which significantly affects industries by reducing productivity and increasing the risk of workplace accidents.

Many existing work fatigue measurement tools lack IoT integration. “This gap prompted us to develop an IoT-integrated work fatigue measurement device,” Ibrahim Al Khawwas explained.

Their research involved collecting data through the IoT-powered STIREACT device, supplemented by interviews and surveys. The data was then analyzed using internationally recognized work fatigue measurement standards. Results indicated that STIREACT demonstrated a high degree of accuracy in assessing work fatigue levels.

Strategies for international competition

Al Khawwas emphasized that success in international competitions requires ensuring the uniqueness and innovation of an invention through extensive literature reviews and global patent studies. “This step is essential to verify that STIREACT is a novel innovation with distinct advantages over existing technologies,” he noted.

Furthermore, strengthening teamwork and fostering collaboration were crucial in effectively distributing tasks, with support from supervisors. Careful time management and rigorous practice were also key to structuring a comprehensive competition strategy, ensuring thorough preparation in all areas.

Overcoming challenges

Securing an international title came with significant challenges. One major obstacle was refining the device’s design and IoT technology to ensure optimal functionality and accuracy. It was also crucial to validate STIREACT’s effectiveness by comparing it with globally standardized work fatigue measurement tools.

Another challenge, according to Al Khawwas, was balancing competition preparation with academic responsibilities and extracurricular commitments, as the team comprised members from three different faculties. “Funding was also a major concern, as financial support was necessary for the device’s development and research,” he added.

Reflecting on their victory, Al Khawwas described winning an international competition as an incredible experience. He attributed their success to consistency, innovation, and dedication. “We hope this research-driven innovation will benefit many, aligning with our principle of staying humble regardless of our achievements,” he concluded.