Tag: Universitas Airlangga

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) faculty members continue to earn international recognition. Most recently, Dr. Sri Widati, S.Sos., M.Si., a lecturer at the Faculty of Public Health (FKM), was elected Vice President of the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) South West Pacific Region. She secured the post through a competitive voting process conducted by a panel of evaluators from a pool of nominees.

IUHPE is a global organization focused on advancing public health and improving quality of life worldwide. It brings together representatives from 207 countries across several regional divisions. Indonesia is part of the South West Pacific Region, which includes 22 other member countries. “This role will span approximately three years, from December 2025 through November 2028. I am eager to use this opportunity to strengthen the global presence of Indonesia and UNAIR,” she said.

In her academic career, Dr. Widati, has been deeply engaged in health promotion initiatives through the PKIP Division (Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences) and the Airlangga Health Promotion Center (AHPC). She has also played an active role in IUHPE-related conferences, including hosting the IUHPE Executive Director at UNAIR’s Happy and Healthy Symposium. “IUHPE expressed strong appreciation for UNAIR’s tangible contributions to health promotion through AHPC. I had the chance to meet with IUHPE’s leadership and present UNAIR’s health promotion programs. That experience ultimately paved the way for my appointment,” she said.

In her new capacity, Dr. Widati plans to adapt and expand health promotion initiatives that have proven effective at UNAIR and across Indonesia to the broader South West Pacific Region. She cited UNAIR’s community service programs and RSKKA as concrete examples of how health promotion can be successfully implemented at the grassroots level. “My long-term vision is to connect all countries in this region through a shared network. This will be pursued through regional IUHPE conferences combined with UNAIR symposiums that align with IUHPE’s core values. Through these efforts, we aim to elevate UNAIR’s profile on the global stage,” she explained.

Beyond her regional role, Dr. Widati also aims to strengthen health promotion efforts domestically. She plans to collaborate with organizations and professional associations working in health promotion to expand initiatives at both national and international levels. “Let us work together to advance the South West Pacific Region, with Indonesia taking an active role. Through these collective efforts, we hope to build a society that is informed, motivated, and capable of improving and sustaining its own health,” she concluded.

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) formally expanded its international network through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Management and Science University (MSU) Malaysia. The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday (Nov. 25, 2025) at the Balairua Plenary Hall inside the Management Building at UNAIR’s MERR-C Campus. Top administrators from both institutions attended the event, along with UNAIR faculty members who witnessed the agreement. The MoU reflects a mutual commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration. Its core objectives include enhancing cooperation in education and research and supporting the development of academic programs with long-term impact.

In his remarks, UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, SE, MSi, MFin, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to welcome MSU Malaysia as an international partner at this landmark event. He emphasized that partnerships between universities play a vital role in building an academic ecosystem that promotes shared growth and intellectual exchange. “This visit carries great significance, not only because it brings together Indonesia and Malaysia, but also because it demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing higher education for global progress,” Prof. Madyan said.

He noted that UNAIR’s newly inaugurated leadership, appointed three months earlier, now has a pivotal role in expanding international cooperation, including efforts with MSU. He stressed that higher education is an investment that thrives on trust-based partnerships rather than isolated progress.

Prof. Madyan also highlighted the need for deeper collaboration between UNAIR and MSU. Priority areas include faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects, and the development of innovative academic initiatives. “This partnership is not just administrative paperwork; it is a shared commitment to creating initiatives that benefit Indonesia, Malaysia, and the global academic community. The combined strengths of MSU and UNAIR will enrich the programs we develop together,” he added.

He further acknowledged that while many partnerships are already underway, there remains significant potential to broaden collaboration across various faculties and strengthen the outcomes of existing initiatives.

Prof. Madyan closed his remarks by thanking Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Dr. Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid and the MSU leadership for their trust. He expressed hope that the MoU will mark a new chapter of stronger cooperation and produce meaningful contributions for both academic communities. “We hope this collaboration brings benefits not only to our institutions but also to society at large. Together, let us build a stronger and more impactful future for higher education,” he concluded.

The event wrapped up with a symbolic presentation celebrating the partnership. Both universities expressed optimism that the collaboration will enhance the quality of higher education and expand international opportunities for students and faculty.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.