Tag: Universitas Airlangga

The Sustainable Energy and Green Technology Applications (SEGTA) program has once again embarked on a community engagement mission. Hosted by the Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline (FTMM), this international initiative reflects a strong commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On Sunday, August 10, 2025, SEGTA conducted activities in Kalianget and Gili Iyang, Sumenep, Madura, drawing participation from 91 individuals, including international students and faculty. This year’s efforts centered on six targeted projects in the Sumenep region.

The projects included: Solar-Powered Hydroponics: A Solution for Enhancing Food Security and Reducing Reliance on Fossil Fuels; Coconut Tree Planting to Preserve Oxygen Quality in Gili Iyang, Education Outreach; Empowering Students through Electric Mobility and Renewable Energy Education, Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring: Toward a Green and Sustainable Gili Iyang Island, Drone Applications; Green Technology, and Policy for Supporting Sustainable Tourism; and Maintaining Solar Shelters to Ensure Renewable Energy Quality in Gili Iyang.

According to Prof. Dr. Retna Apsari, M.Si., FTMM’s Vice Dean for Research, Innovation, Community Engagement, and Partnerships, the Kalianget program concentrated on the solar-powered hydroponics project. Hosted at a melon greenhouse operated by Bumdes Setia Makmur in West Kalianget Village, the event featured sessions by Rizki Putra Prastio, S.Si., M.T., a lecturer in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Engineering, and Dr. Tri Siwi Agustina, S.E., M.Si., from UNAIR’s Faculty of Economics and Business.

While differing from conventional hydroponic systems, Prastio explained that the greenhouse could greatly benefit from Internet of Things (IoT) integration. Drawing from a project in Ngerong, Pasuruan, he noted that IoT combined with solar power can significantly boost crop yields for vegetables such as bok choy and lettuce. Effective implementation, however, would require aerial mapping through drone-based photography.

Meanwhile, Tahta Amrillah, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., a Nanotechnology Engineering lecturer at FTMM and coordinator of the Coconut Tree Planting initiative, oversaw the planting of 20 coconut saplings at Green Island Gili Iyang—a newly developed green tourism site. Coconut trees serve dual purposes: providing ecological benefits such as windbreaks and coastal protection, and offering substantial economic value through their diverse byproducts. The planting was carried out symbolically and involved international student representatives.

Another SEGTA innovation this year was the promotion of biofertilizers—organic fertilizers derived from naturally occurring microorganisms through the fermentation of organic waste. These biofertilizers improve plant growth and enhance soil fertility without harmful chemicals. The SEGTA team also trained local residents in biofertilizer production and application, empowering them to use the method in their own farms.

The initiative aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), furthering Gili Iyang’s vision as a model for green tourism.

As part of the Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring program, Dr. Agus Mukhlisin, S.T., M.T., deployed technology to track oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in real time. “Accurate, real-time oxygen monitoring is essential for understanding environmental health. With this data, communities can better appreciate the need to maintain Gili Iyang’s high oxygen levels,” Dr. Mukhlisin said.

The monitoring device was installed at the Bancamara Health Center on Gili Iyang. It provides direct readings of oxygen concentration (%vol) and carbon dioxide levels (ppm). As of Sunday, August 10, 2025, the system recorded oxygen levels at 20.89%. This effort reflects FTMM’s commitment to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

An alumnus of Universitas Airlangga has earned recognition on the international stage. K. Candra Negara, an alumnus of the International Relations program at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UNAIR, has been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to Mozambique, concurrently accredited to Malawi. He was officially sworn in by President Prabowo Subianto on Monday (March 24, 2025) at the State Palace in Jakarta.

Ambassador Negara reflected that his years at UNAIR, especially in the FISIP academic environment, expanded his worldview and shaped his cultural awareness. Participating in wide-ranging discussions, studying global cultures through courses on society, culture, and politics, and being part of an open intellectual community gave him the perspective now essential in diplomacy.  “UNAIR taught me how to empathize and engage with diverse cultures. In the international arena, the ability to understand differences is not just an advantage—it is indispensable,” he said.

Although becoming an ambassador was never his explicit goal, Ambassador Negara pursued each stage of his diplomatic career with dedication and a commitment to continuous development. He credits UNAIR with instilling a growth mindset and strategic thinking—qualities that have proven vital in every overseas assignment.

Assigned to Mozambique and Malawi, Ambassador Negara quickly encountered challenges unique to the region. “The lack of information exchange and the limited understanding between Indonesian and Southern African communities presented particular hurdles. But we have started to address these through a series of strategic measures,” he explained.

One of his top priorities is maximizing the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Indonesia and Mozambique. This agreement is particularly significant as Mozambique remains the only African country with such a trade accord with Indonesia. Ambassador Negara sees Mozambique as a gateway for Indonesian products to reach landlocked nations in Southern Africa, including Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.

In addition to trade, he is also advocating for a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) designed to provide legal protections for Indonesian investments in the region.“We want Indonesian investments not only to expand but also to be legally safeguarded. With this agreement, our investors will have both certainty and the confidence to venture further into Africa,” he emphasized.

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) proudly hosted the 2025 WUACD Summit, held in conjunction with the ASEAN Microbial Biotechnology Conference (AMBC 2025) and the ASEAN Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Network Conference. The summit, running from Friday to Sunday (June 13–15, 2025), was held at the ASEEC Tower, Dharmawangsa-B Campus, UNAIR, Surabaya. The international summit welcomed representatives from over 12 countries and featured a comprehensive lineup of conferences, workshops, MoU signings, and field visits to community outreach sites.

 

This year’s conference aimed to strengthen regional collaboration across ASEAN nations in microbiology, biotechnology, and community development—fields increasingly vital in the face of global issues such as climate change, food insecurity, and biodiversity loss. The event brought together academics, researchers, private sector representatives, and international development organizations.

 

Building networks, creating solutions

In her opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih, M.Si, UNAIR Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development, described the conference as a key opportunity to align interdisciplinary research efforts across borders. “Today, we are not just hosting a conference—we are uniting global networks to strengthen international and cross-disciplinary partnerships. We hope this leads to new collaborations with real impact on communities,” Prof. Puspaningsih stated.

 

Echoing her remarks, AMBC 2025 Chair Prof. Dr. Ni’matuzahroh emphasized the forum’s role as a hub for knowledge exchange and regional innovation. “This forum is essential for fostering dialogue, innovation, and partnerships among microbiology and biotechnology experts across ASEAN, in support of sustainable development,” she noted.

 

Microbial science and innovation for ASEAN’s future

Prof. Dr. Ni’matuzahroh also highlighted the importance of leveraging the momentum of the conference to tackle future regional challenges through strengthened interdisciplinary cooperation. “This event serves as a platform to expand professional networks, deepen scientific perspectives, and drive innovative research collaborations that address upcoming crises,” she said.

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has once again taken a strategic step onto the international stage by representing Indonesia as its sole delegate at the 20th ASEAN and 10th ASEAN+3 Youth Cultural Forum (AYCF+3). The forum took place from Sunday, June 22, to Friday, June 27, 2025, in Thailand, hosted across Chulalongkorn University, Mahidol University, and Burapha University. At the event, UNAIR proudly showcased Indonesian culture before a diverse ASEAN audience.

This annual forum, initiated by the ASEAN University Network (AUN), brings together students from ASEAN nations and three key partner countries—Japan, South Korea, and China. With the theme “Cultural Convergence: Embracing Diversity, Empowering Youth,” the forum fostered cultural exchange and encouraged creative collaboration among youth across nations.

UNAIR’s delegation featured four students representing a partnership between the Student Executive Board (BEM UNAIR) and the Inter-Student Activity Unit Forum (FORKOM UKM): Anggun Zifa Anindia (President of BEM UNAIR), Melvin Hermawan (Vice President), Rodesti Florence (Chair of FORKOM), and Trikiranna Purnama (Secretary of FORKOM).

“UNAIR’s decision to participate in this forum reflects our broader mission. We’re not here just to perform, but to build cultural diplomacy as a form of soft power that can be directly experienced. We want UNAIR students to be seen as not only academically strong but also globally minded and culturally aware,” said Anindia, the delegation’s leader and President of BEM UNAIR.

Collective action, meaningful impact

UNAIR delivered a performance titled Indonesia Wonderland during the ASEAN+3 cultural night. The medley fused traditional Indonesian dances including Saman, Piring, Kecak, Legong, and Yospan with modern interpretations. Dressed in traditional attire and accompanied by contemporary ethnic music and a unifying narrative, the five-minute performance captivated the international audience.

“We received a standing ovation from nearly everyone in the room. Delegates from Japan and South Korea even came up to express how deeply impressed they were by the richness of the Indonesian culture we presented,” Anindia recounted.

At the cultural bazaar, UNAIR’s booth drew crowds with its immersive introduction to Indonesian culture. Participants sampled an array of snacks such as various Indomie flavors, brem (fermented rice cake), basreng (fried spicy meatballs), banana chips, and ginger candy. Attendees also explored cultural items like batik, Barong Bali t-shirts, wayang kulit (leather shadow puppets), and musical instruments including rebana and gendang, which they could try firsthand.

“We didn’t just showcase our culture—we brought it to life. Visitors from Laos, Vietnam, even Japan played the rebana, tasted our traditional food, and asked about the meaning behind batik and wayang. We spoke to them through flavor, movement, and sound,” she added.

Global vision through real collaboration

Anindia emphasized that UNAIR’s participation was a product of purposeful planning. Despite only having two weeks to prepare, the delegation presented a thoroughly curated and impactful showcase. “This forum wasn’t just a stage—it was a platform for student movements to voice their messages strategically. The collaboration between BEM and FORKOM UKM was key. We presented a shared narrative, not just individual efforts,” she explained.

Beyond a cultural performance, UNAIR’s presence at AYCF+3 2025 was a reflection of the university’s commitment to internationalization grounded in national identity. With other prominent Indonesian universities like UI, ITB, and UGM absent, UNAIR confidently took the spotlight, showing that its students are ready and capable of representing the country on a global platform.

“We didn’t come in large numbers, but our message was loud and clear. This forum wasn’t just about showcasing culture—it was about who’s willing to speak for their country with pride. UNAIR chose to show up, take the stage, and make its voice heard,” Anindia concluded.

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has once again earned international recognition, this time receiving a 5-star rating in the Healthy University Rating System (HURS), a regional assessment spearheaded by the ASEAN University Network–Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN).

Asian-wide healthy campus evaluation

Dr. Sri Widati, Head of UNAIR’s Airlangga Health Promotion Center (AHPC), explained that HURS serves as a regional benchmark for healthy campuses across Asia. “HURS is a health-focused university rating system developed by AUN-HPN. It includes several evaluation criteria—ranging from infrastructure and institutional systems to zero-tolerance policies, health-oriented curricula, and campus health promotion programs,” she said.

She elaborated that the Zero Tolerance Policy addresses seven prohibited areas, including smoking, alcohol, gambling, bullying, sexual violence, and other safety concerns. Infrastructure assessments examine whether campus facilities are accessible for individuals with disabilities, include anti-slip flooring, and offer adequate sports amenities. “Last year we earned a 4-star rating. This year, thankfully, UNAIR has advanced to 5 stars,” she noted.

UNAIR key programs and innovations

According to Sri Widati, achieving a 5-star rating requires strong performance across all evaluation areas. “Each variable must meet high standards. Our systems, infrastructure, zero-tolerance enforcement, curriculum, and health promotion initiatives all play a crucial role,” she explained.

UNAIR has continued to introduce improvements, notably through its installation of solar panels in nearly every university building. Health promotion programs have also been expanded to reach all faculties across UNAIR’s four campuses—Surabaya, Gresik, Lamongan, and Banyuwangi.

“We’ve conducted direct outreach to faculties, offering medical inspections, healthy lifestyle education, and our Happy and Healthy Lifestyle program. These efforts have significantly boosted UNAIR’s performance,” she said.

This year, UNAIR also prioritized the development of its Healthy Canteen initiative. In partnership with the Ministry of Health, local health departments, and the Halal Center, UNAIR provided training to 85 canteen vendors. In addition to educational programs, UNAIR and local health authorities conducted clinical testing of food products to ensure compliance with health standards.

“We carried out surprise inspections and held training for food handlers and managers. When vendors fall short of the standards, we offer feedback and improvement plans. Our goal is to ensure all UNAIR canteens meet health requirements,” she added.

Deep commitment to a happy and healthy campus

Sri Widati emphasized that the 5-star rating is a byproduct of UNAIR’s ongoing dedication to creating a healthy and fulfilling environment for its academic community. “The 5-star recognition is a bonus. What matters most is that we’re doing the right thing to support the well-being of our entire campus. Our ultimate goal is for every member of UNAIR to feel both healthy and happy,” she stated.

She also stressed that UNAIR’s primary mission has never been to pursue accolades. “Everything we do is sincere and aimed at making our academic community feel truly well. When that effort is made wholeheartedly, it naturally leads to recognition—such as this international 5-star rating. That’s what makes it so meaningful for us,” she concluded.

As part of its commitment to global engagement in education, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) welcomed delegates from the Embassy of Zimbabwe on Friday (June 20, 2025) at the Balai Rua Meeting Room, MERR-C Campus Management Office. The meeting focused on exploring strategies for potential academic collaboration between UNAIR and institutions in Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwean delegation included Z.R. Churu, M. Makururu, Dr. W. Kachere, C. Taringa, E. Chaoneka, and W. Mungate. Representing UNAIR were Prof. Bambang Sektiari Lukiswanto DEA, DVM, Vice Rector for Academic, Student, and Alumni Affairs, and Dina Septiani, BComm, MComn, PhD, Deputy Director of Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE).

During the discussion, Mr. Churu highlighted Zimbabwe’s ongoing collaborations with Indonesia, including scholarship and postgraduate programs. He also emphasized the potential for deeper engagement with UNAIR to enhance international exposure and broaden educational impact for Zimbabwean students.

“We are eager to work with UNAIR on educational initiatives such as student exchanges, joint degree programs, scholarships for Zimbabwean students, and collaborative research. We are also grateful to UNAIR for welcoming Zimbabwean students to study in Indonesia,” he remarked.

In response, AGE representative Dina Septiani outlined several opportunities for bilateral cooperation in education. She emphasized that these initiatives could foster mutual knowledge exchange and further strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries.

“We are fully open to future partnerships. UNAIR can offer staff and student exchange programs, joint lectures, research co-supervision, collaborative studies, and international internships. For scholarships, the Indonesian AID program from the Ministry of Finance currently supports three academic disciplines: psychology, pharmacy, and Islamic economics,” she explained.

Dina also introduced the Airlangga Development Scholarship (ADS) for international students at the master’s and doctoral levels. This scholarship includes free Indonesian language training, full tuition coverage, and living expense support.

“UNAIR also provides scholarships for one-semester exchange programs, covering tuition fees, English-language classes, and Indonesian language instruction. Students not enrolled in regular coursework may instead participate in internships or research activities tuition-free,” she concluded.

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.