Bakrie Uni’s Student Won APAC’s Competition

A brilliant achievement was achieved by a student from the Informatics Study Program at Bakrie University. Egbert Felica Wibianto won first place in the Lens 180: Short Video Competition, an international competition organized by the IEEE Region 10 Adhoc Committee on Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ACEI).

The competition, titled “Lens 180: Entrepreneurship Spirit Explained in 3 Minutes!”, was aimed at students and young professionals in the Asia-Pacific region (IEEE Region 10). The competition invited over 50 submissions from various countries, with the goal of encouraging entrepreneurial spirit through inspiring and original visual works.

Participants were asked to showcase creative ideas that reflect how entrepreneurship can change lives, drive innovation, and provide solutions to real-world problems in society. From dozens of submissions, only the top three entries were selected to receive awards and be officially showcased on the IEEE Region 10 platform.

Egbert presented a work titled “Code to Survive: A Student’s Web Journey,” a video depicting a student’s journey in developing web technology skills to prepare them for future challenges. This work also received support from Thariq Rahman, a fellow Informatics student, and Baptista Yohana Vallen, a student in the Information Systems study program at Bakrie University.

Thanks to his creativity and originality, Egbert stood out among participants from various countries and was named First Place. The other two winners were Sai Gayathri & Sigaram Sahithi from India, and Muhammad Nawwarudin from Surabaya State University (UNESA), Indonesia.

As the first place winner, Egbert not only received an official award from IEEE Region 10 Asia Pacific but also had the opportunity to showcase his work on the IEEE’s international platform. This success is a testament to the quality of Bakrie University students in innovating and competing on the global stage.

This event is expected to inspire other students to continue their creativity, hone their entrepreneurial skills, and dare to compete internationally.

UNAIR and Mongolian Embassy to collaborate

As part of its efforts to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) welcomed a visit from the Embassy of Mongolia in Jakarta. The delegation met with UNAIR leadership on Thursday (Nov. 20, 2025) at the Balai RUA, MERR-C Campus Management Office. During the visit, UNAIR Rector Prof. Madyan held a strategic meeting with the Mongolian delegation to explore potential areas of cooperation. Ambassador Enkhtaivan Dashnyam attended the meeting alongside Nyamdorj Chuluunbaatar and Attache Khulan Ganbat.

Responding to the rector’s remarks, the Mongolian Ambassador said his government welcomes collaboration proposals, particularly academic exchanges with the National University of Mongolia. UNAIR also introduced opportunities through the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), a platform that could enable student participation in community service programs in Mongolia, supported by UNAIR faculty and researchers. Their collaboration is reflected in several recent exchanges. UNAIR welcomed four academic staff members from Mongolian institutions in 2021 and 2025. Meanwhile, 26 UNAIR students joined outbound academic programs at Mandakh University during 2021–2022, and UNAIR received one inbound student from the National University of Mongolia in 2021.

“These exchanges show the deepening ties between our countries and highlight the potential for broader cooperation. We hope today’s discussion will advance opportunities in health sciences, social sciences, life sciences, and engineering. Together, we can strengthen academic programs, research initiatives, and community development,” Prof. Madyan said.

Responding to the rector’s remarks, the Mongolian Ambassador said his government welcomes collaboration proposals, particularly academic exchanges with the National University of Mongolia. UNAIR also introduced opportunities through the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), a platform that could enable student participation in community service programs in Mongolia, supported by UNAIR faculty and researchers. The Mongolian Embassy also expressed strong interest in medical training partnerships as part of Mongolia’s efforts to enhance its healthcare workforce. UNAIR Hospital voiced full support for this initiative.

“We are open to hosting Mongolian students and medical professionals who want to study various disease cases, including tropical diseases or conditions that may not be present in Mongolia.” In addition, the embassy highlighted its interest in collaborating on halal certification through UNAIR’s Halal Center. Both sides expressed optimism that the meeting would pave the way for future partnerships in academic development and healthcare. They hope the discussions will lead to concrete programs that strengthen cooperation between Indonesia and Mongolia.

Tuli Mengaji with YRCM

The Rumah Ceria Medan Foundation (YRCM), an inclusive school in Medan, serves as a place to meet the educational needs of children with disabilities. It was founded by Yuli Yanika, fondly known as Uye, and Risa Riskayanti, co-founder and secretary of YRCM, who is an alumnus of the University of North Sumatra (USU) Communication Science program. At this school, sign language is one of the languages required for communication. The Rumah Ceria Medan Foundation is located at Jl. Bunga Cempaka VII No. 41 Y, Padang Bulan Selayang II, Medan Selayang District, Medan City, North Sumatra.

Uye’s interest in the world of disability originated from his childhood experiences growing up close to children with disabilities. This closeness eventually fostered empathy and a strong desire in her to create a learning space that is friendly to all children.

Uye’s journey in disability activities began in 2013 when she worked as a teacher at a nature school. It was there that she realised the wide communication gap between children with disabilities and those without. She saw how children with disabilities often struggled to express themselves and be accepted in social interactions. Driven by this concern, Uye eventually established a creativity workshop as a platform for children with disabilities to channel their talents and expressions.

Together with her friends who are members of a community that cares for people with disabilities, she opened various classes through the creativity studio, ranging from dance and photography classes to learning activities designed to build children’s self-confidence. The creativity studio activities are held regularly every week and have become a warm place for many children with disabilities in the neighborhood where she lives.

Starting from the creativity studio, an inclusive school called Yayasan Rumah Ceria Medan was established in 2019. Rumah Ceria Medan is expected to become a nature school where children can learn freely, close to the environment, and grow without limits.

YRCM has grown into an inclusive school that provides learning opportunities for children with and without disabilities. This school not only focuses on academic aspects, but also on character education, empathy, and independence. Uye believes that true education is when every child does not look at their physical condition, so they can learn with a sense of security and be accepted for who they are.

As one of the inclusive schools in the city of Medan, YRCM offers various educational programs that can help children with disabilities without discrimination, one of which is the Tuli Mengaji program. This program is the first of its kind in Medan City, making it a pioneer and inspiration for other schools.

Not only deaf children, but this activity is also open to children without disabilities. This program is routinely held every Ramadan and lasts for 11 days. During the first 8 days, the children will learn to recite the Quran, and the remaining 3 days will be spent camping at the school for in-depth learning.

During the program, the children will start learning to recite the Quran at 3 p.m. until breaking the fast. Each child will also have their own learning targets so that a high level of enthusiasm will arise in their hearts. This activity is usually held in the second week of Ramadan and takes place at the Rumah Ceria Foundation in Medan.

Tuli Mengaji was created because of YRCM’s concern for children with disabilities who cannot even recite the Quran and understand what it is. They do not understand who God is and question whether God is male or female. The lack of literacy among children with disabilities is the fundamental reason why this educational program was started.

Teaching the deaf to recite the Quran is not only carried out during Ramadan. Every morning, the children are taught by teachers to recite the Quran or when learning activities have been completed. Every Friday, the school also holds Quran recitation activities as a form of in-depth learning.

Every teacher who will teach in this program will receive training from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. After obtaining permission from the training, each teacher can teach in the Deaf Recitation program.

Through the Tuli Mengaji program, YRCM serves as a school that promotes equality between people with and without disabilities. It is hoped that this positive initiative will continue and inspire others. 

Through the Deaf Recitation program, YRCM is present as a school that provides equality between people with and without disabilities. Hopefully, this positive activity can continue and become a positive inspiration for others.

Microplastic Rain: ITS Research Insights

Researchers from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) have raised serious concerns after microplastics were detected in rainfall in Surabaya, Indonesia, signalling a growing level of atmospheric pollution. Environmental expert Prof. Arseto Yekti Bagastyo explained that this phenomenon occurs through atmospheric deposition, in which tiny plastic particles suspended in the air eventually fall to the earth’s surface through rain. 

These microplastics originate from the degradation of larger plastic waste, broken down by heat, ultraviolet radiation, wind, and human activity into fragments smaller than five millimeters. Once carried by rain, the particles flow into rivers and seas, settle in the soil, and are absorbed by microorganisms and aquatic life. A process that over time can lead to accumulation in the human body and pose serious health risks. 

According to Prof. Arseto, this is not merely an environmental issue, but a reflection of unsustainable consumption patterns combined with ineffective waste management systems. Many landfill sites in Indonesia still rely on open dumping practices, while fewer than half operate under controlled sanitary landfill systems. This reality, he stressed, represents a critical warning for local governments and communities alike. 

Prof. Arseto emphasized that solving the problem requires collective action. Waste must be managed in an integrated way, from the source to its final disposal, involving authorities, institutions, and the public. He concluded that the emergence of microplastics in Surabaya’s rain is nature’s alarm demanding an immediate and coordinated response, in line with global efforts to achieve responsible consumption and climate action.

USU and India Foster Exchange

Faculty of Social and Political Science of Universitas Sumatera Utara (FISIP USU) strengthened its international cultural engagement through a collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Medan. The event featured the screening of the acclaimed Indian film English Vinglish on September 26, 2025, at the FISIP Theater Room, attended by Consul General H.E. Ravi Shanker Goel, Dean of FISIP USU Dr. Hatta Ridho, S.Sos., MSP., and students from the Department of Communication Science.

The activity aimed to introduce students to Indian culture and cinema while fostering a shared appreciation of cultural diversity. The Consul General highlighted that film is not only a medium of entertainment but also a reflection of society, values, and traditions. Through this initiative, the Consulate General of India hopes to build stronger people-to-people ties with Indonesia, especially among young generations who will shape future collaboration between both nations.

The film English Vinglish tells the story of a woman’s determination to overcome language barriers and regain self-confidence by learning English. Its universal message on perseverance, self-respect, and empowerment resonated with students, sparking discussions on cultural identity and personal growth.

The event also served as a platform to promote educational exchange opportunities. The Consul General shared information on scholarship programs provided by the Government of India for Indonesian students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies. This gesture reflects India’s long-standing commitment to fostering educational cooperation and academic mobility within the region.

FISIP USU and the Consulate General of India plan to continue their collaboration by hosting monthly film screenings featuring Indian cinema throughout the semester. Each screening will highlight a different aspect of India’s culture, society, and creativity, offering students a broader global perspective while enhancing the faculty’s international visibility.

This partnership aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by promoting cultural learning and global partnerships. For FISIP USU, such initiatives contribute to building an academic environment that is globally connected, culturally inclusive, and supportive of student growth through meaningful international engagement.

The 3rd FPEB UPI Immersion Program 2025

The Faculty of Economics and Business Education Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia is organizing the 3rd FPEB Immersion Program 2025. This activity was attended by 20 students from various study programs, namely 6 students from the Management Study Program; 2 students from the Accounting Study Program; 3 students from the Islamic Economics and Finance Study Program; 1 student from the Accounting Education Study Program; 4 students from the Economics Education Program; 1 student from the Business Education Program; and 3 students from the Office Management Education Program. They were accompanied by three supervising lecturers: Dr. Siti Parhah, Arief Budiman, S.S., S.Sos., IMSMEs., and Mumuh Muhammad, S.E., M.A.

This immersion program aims to provide students with international academic and cultural experiences through a series of activities involving campus visits, company visits, community service, and cultural performances. 

The Immersion Program in Singapore was held at the Indonesian School in Singapore (SIS), where FPEB UPI students conducted teaching practices in 12th grade high school economics classes, while also sharing information about university life at UPI. The activity continued with a discussion on opportunities for cooperation between FPEB UPI and SIS in terms of student internships/PKL activities, career opportunities, and cooperation in the context of the three pillars of higher education. The activities in Singapore concluded with a visit to the Singapore National Library.

The Immersion Program in Malaysia is a Joint International Seminar and Cultural Performance with Management and Science University (MSU) (#597 QS World Ranking). Sit-in class activity at the Faculty of Business and Economics, Universiti Malaya (#58 QS World Ranking). A visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of Bank Negara Malaysia. A sharing session with the student association at the Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) (#126 QS World Ranking). A company visit to Beryl’s Factory. 

Through this Immersion program, students are expected to broaden their global perspective, improve their cross-cultural communication skills, and strengthen their international academic network in line with FPEB UPI’s vision as a faculty that excels and is globally competitive.

Bakrie University Lecturer Won IEEE Grant

Exciting news has arrived from Bakrie University. Dr. Iwan Adhicandra, SMIEEE, lecturer and Head of the Informatics Study Program, has won a prestigious USD 25,000 (equivalent to approximately IDR 400 million) grant from the IEEE Computer Society Emerging Technologies Fund for a project titled “Empowering Rural Communities in Indonesia through AI-Driven Agricultural Solutions.”

The official announcement was made by Brian Kirk, Senior Program Manager of the IEEE Computer Society, on behalf of Jyotika Athavale (Past President of the IEEE Computer Society & Chair of the Emerging Technologies Grant Selection Committee). In its letter, the IEEE stated that Dr. Iwan’s proposal was considered well-thought-out and ambitious, aligning with the IEEE Computer Society’s goal of encouraging the use of cutting-edge technology for the benefit of society.

This year, the IEEE Computer Society Emerging Technologies Fund competition attracted over 360 submissions from around the world, and only 11 proposals were selected as winners. Dr. Iwan’s proposal, “Empowering Rural Communities in Indonesia through AI-Driven Agricultural Solutions,” was one of the few to achieve international recognition.

Rural Farmer Empowerment Project

This project aims to increase agricultural productivity in rural Indonesia through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Through a series of workshops and hands-on training, farmers will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to integrate AI technology into their farming processes.

With the support of this grant, the project is planned to last six months and includes:

Development of training materials and procurement of AI equipment (months 1–2)

Implementation of training in target communities (months 3–5)

Impact evaluation and feedback collection (month 6)

Measurable targets of this project include: training 100 farmers, increasing crop yields by 20% in a single planting season, and establishing a sustainable model for technology integration in the agricultural sector.

ITS Smart Farming for Food Resilience

ITS has officially launched the Smart Integrated Aquaponic Pod (SIAP), marking a major milestone in Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen food security and climate resilience. Developed through collaboration among several ITS research centers, SIAP represents a new generation of smart, modular greenhouses that blend environmental engineering, aquaponics, and artificial intelligence into one efficient, sustainable farming platform.  

Built on a lightweight, yet durable galvanized frame measuring 4 x 3 x 2 meters, SIAP is designed for flexible use in urban areas, educational institutions, research facilities, and small-to-medium farming communities. Inside, it operates a closed-loop aquaponic ecosystem where nutrient-rich water from fish cultivation promotes plant growth before being filtered and recirculated, minimizing waste and significantly reducing water consumption. 

The system is strengthened by IoT and AI integration. Real-time sensors monitor temperature, humidity, pH, and oxygen levels, with AI-based analytics automatically recommending irrigation, feeding, and circulation adjustments. This technology enables precise control, consistent yields, and energy-efficient operations. 

Alongside SIAP, the team introduced I-Farm Melon, a premium cultivation program featuring baby Sagami melon. Known for its sweetness, uniformity, and high success rate, the variety is ideal for urban markets, education, and small-scale agribusiness. Its integration with SIAP ensures optimal climate and nutrient control, delivering consistent, high-quality results. 

A significant milestone is SIAP’s inclusion in the government’s e-Catalogue, enabling broader adoption by public institutions, universities, and agricultural agencies through an official, transparent procurement system. This step is expected to accelerate the implementation of smart farming technologies nationwide. 

Positioned as a locally developed innovation with global relevance, SIAP strengthens sustainable agriculture, supports technological literacy, and contributes to long-term food resilience through efficient, precise, and environmentally responsible production. This innovation also reinforces ITS’ broader commitment to advancing sustainable technologies.  

UNAIR offers solutions to fishery issues

Universitas Airlangga once again demonstrated its growing presence on the global academic stage. This time, Vice Rector for Academic, Student and Alumni Affairs, Prof Ir Mochammad Amin Alamsjah MSi PhD represented UNAIR at the 7th ASEAN+3 Rectors’ Conference, a major regional gathering hosted by Can Tho University in Vietnam on Wednesday–Thursday (Nov 19–20, 2025).

Held under the theme Beyond Borders: Strengthening Networks, Sharing Excellence, and Advancing Sustainable ASEAN+3 Collaboration, the ASEAN+3 Rectors’ Conference convenes top university leaders, presidents, rectors, and vice rectors, from institutions within the ASEAN+3 University Network (ASEAN+3 UNet), alongside partners from China, Japan, and South Korea. The event serves as an important platform for discussing collaborative strategies to address shared higher education and regional challenges.

During the conference, Prof Alamsjah delivered a presentation titled “Sustainable Development Programs of Fisheries and Marine in Indonesia.” His remarks centered on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indonesia’s four Fisheries Management Areas (WPP-NRI), where fishing activity plunged significantly.

According to fisheries analysts from Global Fishing Watch (GFW), this decline produced both positive and negative consequences. While decreased activity allowed fish stocks to recover, it simultaneously disrupted the economic livelihoods of local fishermen.

The senior professor from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK) added that biodiversity-based industries remained relatively resilient during the pandemic, recording positive growth despite widespread economic pressures. “This situation underscores Indonesia’s need to reinforce sustainable fisheries systems, ranging from regulations and production processes to resource management,” he said.

In response, the government introduced a renewed set of policy priorities. These include improving fisheries governance, simplifying licensing systems, strengthening aquaculture, expanding downstream industries, and advancing research capacity and human resource development. These initiatives align with the nation’s Blue Economy framework, which emphasizes ecological sustainability while strengthening maritime economic sectors.

Aquaculture development has become another core priority. As Indonesia’s population grows, so does its demand for protein, making both marine and inland aquaculture increasingly critical for reducing pressure on ocean capture fisheries. “High-value commodities such as shrimp, lobster, crab, milkfish, snapper, and seaweed are seeing continuous technological upgrades. Modern concepts like internationally standardized shrimp estates are being developed to increase productivity in areas that still rely on traditional, low-yield farming methods,” he explained.

Despite its potential, Indonesia’s fisheries sector continues to face multiple threats, including overfishing, weak oversight, low productivity, illegal levies, limited access to quality broodstock, and low participation from younger generations. Indonesia seeks to address these issues through an integrated strategy that incorporates technology, conservation, regulatory reform, and community engagement, ensuring the sector contributes to economic growth while maintaining ecological stability.

At the conference, Prof Alamsjah proposed a comprehensive model for sustainable fisheries and marine development. His plan outlines six key components: improving assessment capabilities; reforming fisheries governance; reducing excess fishing capacity; enhancing access management and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; strengthening human and institutional capability; building adequate operational capacity; and protecting biodiversity to sustain long-term productivity.

Prof Alamsjah noted that his presentation received positive feedback from participants. “The forum was well-regarded by representatives from ASEAN countries, Japan, China, South Korea, and scientific organizations such as JICA and ASEN-FEN,” he said.

Bakrie Uni and Leeds Beckett Uni Sign MoU

Bakrie University, through the Informatics Study Program, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom. This signing marks a significant milestone in the effort to internationalize higher education and strengthen global academic networks.

The MoU signed by the Rector of Bakrie University, Prof. Sofia W. Alisjahbana, M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., and Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, Professor Peter Slee, marks the beginning of a strategic relationship aimed at developing long-term collaboration in various fields.

The main objectives of this MoU include:

-Joint curriculum development to ensure high-quality education,

-Collaboration in scientific research and development,

-Exchange of students and lecturers,

-Professional development opportunities for academic staff,

-Preparation of an articulation agreement in the field of computer science, especially in the BSc (Hons) Computer Science program,

-Exploration of the development of executive education, short courses, and international lecture series.

This collaboration is expected to expand access to higher education geographically and socially, while increasing the contribution of both institutions to society, industry, and the global community. In addition, both institutions agree to maintain quality standards and cost effectiveness in every form of collaboration.

The signing of this MoU was also attended by representatives from Leeds Beckett University, including Liam Howarth, Regional Manager for East and South East Asia, based in the UK, and Agung Adi Nugraha, Regional Officer for South East Asia, based in Jakarta, Indonesia.

In addition, this meeting also involved Noble Solutions as the institution’s liaison partner, represented by Michael Noble as Chief Executive Officer, Hoang Nam Pham as Managing Director, and Gari Soedarjo as Business Development.

From Bakrie University, this activity was attended by Muhammad Tri Andhika Kurniawan as Vice Rector II, Dr. Mohammad Ihsan as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, Dr. Iwan Adhicandra as Head of the Informatics Study Program, Hollila Hatta as Head of the International Affairs Office, and Kurniati Putri Haerina as Head of Public Relations and Cooperation of Bakrie University.

With this MoU, Bakrie University continues to demonstrate its commitment to establishing strategic relationships with world-renowned higher education institutions, preparing graduates who are not only competent at the national level but also ready to compete at the international level.