UNAIR and PT Caprifarmindo Laboratories to develop animal vaccine

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.

UNAIR Communications lecturer named Deputy Permanent Delegate of Indonesia to UNESCO

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.

UNAIR and UTM Malaysia develop solar panel project

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.

UNAIR student team clinches international gold medal for IoT-based work fatigue measurement device

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.

UNAIR’s MOGGY team wins silver medal at Thailand Inventors’ Day 2025

In response to the global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, students from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) have made a remarkable impression with their groundbreaking innovation. The MOGGY team, creators of the Microalgae Power Plant Biomass & Oxygen Production technology, secured a silver medal at Thailand Inventors’ Day 2025. Additionally, they received two distinguished accolades: a Special Prize from the Korea Invention Promotion Association (KIPA) and a special award for Best Presentation representing Indonesia.

MOGGY is an advanced system that leverages microalgae to sustainably produce electricity and oxygen. Designed to address the growing need for green energy solutions, this technology offers a promising alternative for the renewable energy sector.

“We seek to highlight the immense potential of microalgae in fostering environmental sustainability. This innovation could serve as a crucial step toward a more eco-friendly energy transition,” stated Andini Carolina, head of the UNAIR delegation.

The MOGGY team’s journey to the competition was fraught with challenges. From the preparation phase to the final presentation, they encountered various obstacles, including technical malfunctions during the final system trial and physical exhaustion due to the rigorous competition schedule.

“Each day, we had to walk considerable distances, take the BTS, and continue our journey to BITEC. Despite these difficulties, we remained committed to ensuring our innovation received the recognition it deserved,” Carolina explained.

One of the most unforgettable moments occurred when the team assumed the competition had concluded and was preparing to depart. Unexpectedly, the organizers approached their booth. “We were absolutely stunned when they announced that we had won additional awards from Invention Malaysia and Korea. It was a moment we will always cherish,” she added.

Beyond this achievement, the innovation has opened doors for further research and development. “We aspire for this innovation to evolve and be implemented on a larger scale. With the right advancements, we can develop more efficient and sustainable green energy solutions,” said Carolina.

The success of the MOGGY UNAIR team at Thailand Inventors’ Day 2025 further reaffirms that Indonesian students are capable of competing on a global stage with impactful innovations. “Never hesitate to innovate. The breakthroughs we create today could become the solutions the world needs in the future,” Carolina concluded.

UNAIR Law Faculty alumnus listed in Fortune Indonesia 40 Under 40

Universitas Airlangga’s (UNAIR) Faculty of Law proudly celebrates the recognition of one of its esteemed graduates, Abraham Sridjaja, who has been named in the prestigious Fortune Indonesia 40 Under 40 list. As a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR-RI) Commission 1 representing the Golkar Party faction, this accolade highlights his impactful contributions to politics and public policy.

In an interview on Friday (February 7, 2025), Sridjaja conveyed his deep gratitude and honor upon receiving the distinction. He emphasized that this recognition is not solely a personal achievement but a testament to the dedication, teamwork, and support from his colleagues and various stakeholders.

“This acknowledgment motivates me to continue working toward meaningful contributions to Indonesia, particularly in the realms of public policy and national development,” he stated.

UNAIR influence on career and leadership

Sridjaja credited his academic experience at UNAIR as instrumental in shaping his leadership approach and strategic thinking in politics. He highlighted the university’s dynamic learning environment, critical discourse, and rigorous policy studies as key factors in his broad understanding of social, legal, and political affairs.

“UNAIR provided more than just education—it instilled character and cultivated invaluable networks,” he remarked. He noted that his interactions with professors, peers, and alumni expanded his perspective and reinforced his commitment to serving the nation.

Dare to dream and embrace challenges

As an influential young leader, Sridjaja shared an inspiring message with UNAIR students aspiring to leadership roles. He underscored the importance of daring to dream big and embracing challenges head-on.

“The world today demands young leaders who are innovative, adaptable, and possess unwavering integrity. Develop strong competencies, gain diverse experiences, and commit to lifelong learning. Additionally, uphold moral and ethical values in all endeavors, because true leadership is not merely about wielding power—it is about service and making a meaningful impact,” he advised.

Future goals and aspirations

Looking forward, Sridjaja remains dedicated to championing forward-thinking policies that deliver tangible benefits to society. “I want to ensure that the policies we implement produce real, positive impacts on communities,” he affirmed.

Moreover, he aims to help create an ecosystem that nurtures youth development, both through youth-focused policies and various empowerment and educational initiatives.

“I firmly believe that the most valuable investment for our nation’s future is empowering young people. With the right opportunities and access, they can become the driving force behind transformative change,” Sridjaja concluded.

UNAIR holds its first Airlangga SDGs School

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), through its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Center, has held its first Airlangga SDGs School. The event was held on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, in the Rote Room, 4th floor of ASEEC Tower at UNAIR’s Dharmawangsa – B Campus. Thirty students from various academic levels were selected to participate after a rigorous selection process. 

Opened the event, the Vice Rector for Internationalization, Digitalization, and Information (IDI), Prof. Muhammad Miftahussurur, dr MKes SpPD-KGEH PhD FINASIM, explained that the Airlangga SDGs School is a course designed to cultivate both experts and activists who are well-versed in SDGs. 

“The SDGs School is a two-day program aimed not only at producing experts but also at nurturing activists capable of driving and influencing SDGs implementation. This effort is intended to impact not just UNAIR but the entire country,” he stated. 

Prof. Miftahussurur also highlighted that the Airlangga SDGs School is part of a larger initiative to embed SDGs awareness within the academic community. He emphasized that UNAIR has long been a leader in SDGs implementation, as evidenced by its world-ranking achievement in SDGs No Poverty. 

“UNAIR has been leading the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), where it serves as the pioneer and coordinator for global community service initiatives. Additionally, UNAIR consistently reports its SDGs indicators through platforms like UI Green Metric and THE Impact,” he added. 

Bayu Arie Fianto PhD, Chair of UNAIR SDGs Center, also spoke at the event, emphasizing that the Airlangga SDGs School is part of a series of activities leading up to the SDGs Festival, which will culminate in October. 

“This program is a key event leading up to the October SDGs Festival, where we plan to officially recognize the participants who complete the course. We hope this initiative will be fully realized,” Fianto said. 

As the first of its kind-event organized by UNAIR’s SDGs Center, Fianto expressed his hope that the selected students would make the most of this unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge. 

“We encourage the participants to fully engage in this experience, asking questions and discussing with the instructors to gain a comprehensive understanding of SDGs. As members of Generation Z, who are digitally connected and passionate, it’s crucial that this passion is complemented by solid knowledge of SDGs,” emphasized the National President of SDGs Centers across Indonesia. 

UNAIR Faculty of Veterinary Medicine introduces silage feed technology and marketing strategies to dairy farmers

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) recently conducted a community service event titled “Feed Management Improvement with Green Feed Processing Technology & Marketing Strategies for Dairy Cattle Post-FMD.” Held on Thursday, August 1, 2024, in Carangwulung Village, Wonosalam, Jombang, the program is aimed at local dairy farmers.

The event was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Sri Hidanah, the Head of FKH community service initiative. In her opening remarks, she hoped that the program would help farmers understand both food processing techniques and livestock product marketing strategies.

“Through this event, we hope all participants gain a better understanding of food processing and marketing techniques for livestock products. We will also provide further assistance with marketing,” she said.

Community service highlights

The program featured several sessions, each led by experts: Dr. Mohammad Anam Al Arif, Dr. Ira Sari Yudaniayanti, and Dr. Fatin Fadhilah Hasib. Dr. Emy Koestanti also participated, initiating a discussion on foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other livestock health issues.

Dr. Mohammad Anam Al Arif began the presentations with an in-depth explanation of silage feed technology. The second session, led by Dr. Ira Sari Yudaniayanti, covered various causes of foot-and-mouth disease in livestock. The third session, presented by Dr. Fatin Fadhilah Hasib, focused on marketing dairy products.

Furthermore, the UNAIR team demonstrated proper silage-making techniques. Dr. Mohammad Anam Al Arif, along with a team of students, led the practical demonstration, which was observed by the attending farmers. Dr. Arif emphasized that proper silage-making practices significantly impact the quality of livestock and their products.

The community warmly welcomed the event, held at the Segunung Traditional Village Hall. Twenty-five residents and farmers attended. Widi Asmoro from the Anjasmoro Village Cooperative Unit (KUD) in Carangwulung represented the community’s and farmers’ responses.

In addition to Widi Asmoro, resident Gatot Sunarto expressed his appreciation for the FKH community service program. He found the event particularly helpful in terms of feed processing and livestock disease prevention. “This event has been very beneficial; my knowledge about cattle feed processing and disease prevention has increased. Many factors affect livestock health,” Sunarto said.

13th ICAS concluded, IIAS to continue collaboration with UNAIR

The 13th International Convention of Asia Scholars (ICAS) officially concluded on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), through the Airlangga Institute of Indian Ocean Crossroads (AIIOC), hosted this prestigious event, which commenced on Sunday, July 28, 2024.

13th ICAS was made possible through a robust partnership between UNAIR’s AIIOC and the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), based in the Netherlands. Although 13th ICAS has been concluded, the collaboration between UNAIR and IIAS is set to continue.

Philippe Peycam, Director of IIAS, mentioned that the next step is to further develop AIIOC into a more significant unit. AIIOC initially started as a collaborative project between UNAIR and IIAS. “We will continue to work together to make AIIOC a successful unit, not just for the industry but also for the Indonesian government,” he stated.

Peycam noted that AIIOC has the potential to offer broader benefits to a wider audience. 13th ICAS has marked a significant milestone in AIIOC’s rapid development. “AIIOC has the potential to benefit not only UNAIR, the city of Surabaya, or East Java but also Indonesia and the entire world,” he said.

Exploring further collaboration

One of the potential areas of continued collaboration between UNAIR and IIAS is the establishment of a fellowship program. This program would provide opportunities for individuals to pursue further studies abroad.

“A fellowship will facilitate Indonesians in various activities, such as pursuing a PhD overseas and returning to their home country after the fellowship,” Peycam remarked on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

The fellowship can ease the exchange of knowledge across various disciplines. Peycam believes that AIIOC can grow into a research center as significant as IIAS, which has already become the largest Asian research center.

“Many people from around the world want to visit IIAS. Similarly, AIIOC has the opportunity to become a large interdisciplinary research center. They have successfully organized 13th ICAS, focusing on learning, discussion, and interdisciplinary research,” he explained.

Aiming reputation improvement

Peycam expressed his admiration for UNAIR’s efforts and dedication to its collaboration. UNAIR’s enthusiasm to enhance its reputation was highly praised by Peycam.

“UNAIR is always obsessed with enhancing its reputation, making various efforts including improving the quality of education. If UNAIR didn’t have this obsession, our collaboration might not have continued,” he said in an exclusive interview with UNAIR NEWS.

AIIOC Potential

Peycam is confident that within the next five to ten years, AIIOC will gain global recognition. An expanding AIIOC will facilitate the exchange of knowledge between countries.

“If people want to learn about Europe, Europeans can come to AIIOC without Indonesians needing to go to Europe. Although this requires a long process, I believe with cooperation, it is not impossible,” he emphasized.

In collaboration with Petronas, FST plants a thousand mangrove trees

The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has launched the International Community Service initiative titled “Mangrove for Sustainable Coastal Environment: 1000 Trees.” The event took place on Thursday, June 4, 2024, at the Mangrove Botanical Garden in Gunung Anyar, Surabaya. rnrnThis initiative is a collaborative effort involving various organizations, including Petronas, the UNAIR SDGs Center, and the Indonesia SDGs Center Network (ISCN). The FST team involved 12 inbound students from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), FST ambassadors as liaison officers, and representatives from Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE). rnrnThe event was attended by Dr. Fatmawati, Vice Dean III of FST; Eva Dwi Komalasari, S.P., Head of UPTD KRM; Bayu Arie Fianto, Ph.D., President of the Indonesia SDGs Center; and Taufik Harwanto, a representative from Petronas. rnrnThe FST’s Enviro Fest program has been running for two years, beginning in 2023.

This year’s activities continued the tradition of planting 1000 mangrove seedlings. rnrn“Since last year, we’ve used the same location and program, planting mangrove seedlings at the Mangrove Botanical Garden in Gunung Anyar. Last year, we collaborated with international students from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and different partners,” explained Dimas, the program’s coordinator. rnrnDr. Fatmawati, Vice Dean III of FST UNAIR, explained that Enviro Fest aims to preserve the resilience of the mangrove ecosystem, ensuring the environment remains protected and sustainable. rnrn“This initiative is an effort to maintain the ecosystem’s resilience, keeping it fresh and safe. We hope that the human resources involved will contribute to the sustainability of this location.

This activity is a form of commitment to maintaining the mangrove environment,” she explained. rnrnIn conclusion, Dr. Fatmawati hopes that planting a thousand trees would bring great benefits and provide valuable experiences for participants. “I hope you all enjoy this experience and gain professional experience, ensuring the tasks are carried out to their fullest potential,” she concluded.