Medan, 27 August — The Nationwide University Network in Indonesia (NUNI) successfully concluded its Annual Event Series 2024, held from 22 to 27 August 2024 in Medan, North Sumatra. Since its launch in 2011, the event has been hosted by different member universities each year, with Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) selected for this year’s gathering.

(Photo Editor: Mufti Warits)

The 2024 event series centered on the Presidential Forum, the NUNI Annual Meeting, and the Student Camp. They brought together university leaders, faculty, and students from NUNI’s 21 member institutions. Focused on promoting academic exchange, leadership dialogue, and youth empowerment. The series signified four pillars of NUNI’s efforts to strengthen collaboration through mobility programs, drive research and innovation, and build a strong global reputation.

This initiative progresses from the groundwork set by the Indonesia Digital Transformation Multi-Stakeholder Partnership workshop, which was held on 15 March 2024 in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) and the Indonesian Digital Leaders Association (APDI).

“Following the success of the Digital Transformation collaboration, the forum at the annual meeting agreed to ramp up internationalization efforts to increase global partnerships and bolster global engagement in support of NUNI’s four pillars,” remarked Prof. Dr. Ir. Y. Budi Widianarko, NUNI Chairperson.

(Photo Editor: Mufti Warits)

The forum was a crucial platform for university leaders to align their vision and reinforce their commitment to driving impactful change by enhancing education via digital transformation and collaboration.

As part of its efforts to advance future global leadership, NUNI has arranged a Student Camp to unite students from its member institutions. This event is designed to provide opportunities for students to engage with one another, enhance their leadership skills, and build teamwork among peers from various academic backgrounds.

(Photo Editor: Mufti Warits)

“NUNI’s role is crucial in forming partnerships that will notably impact education in Indonesia, contributing to empowering and fostering society,” as emphasized by the Rector of BINUS University, Dr. Nelly, S.Kom., M.M., CSCA.

This year’s camp offered students practical experience through interactions with local communities and industries. Participants immersed themselves in local cultures, including exploring culinary traditions, learned about sustainability practices, and had the opportunity to visit the ARTSARI Factory to observe how zero waste is achieved through recycling processes.

(Photo Editor: Mufti Warits)

Velyanie Angelica, a student from the Creative Communication program at BINUS @Bekasi, shared her journey after her team earned third place for an innovative business idea that incorporates organic waste from naga fruit skin into coffee production, offering alternatives to help address the prevalent diabetes issue in Indonesia.

“The NUNI event was an unforgettable and enjoyable experience, allowing me to meet and interact with students from 13 NUNI member universities. Through the Student Camp, we developed friendships, learned about each other’s cultural and academic backgrounds, and addressed social problems while searching for solutions,” as stressed by Velvanie.

(Photo Editor: Mufti Warits)

Through its Presidential Forum, Annual Meeting, and Student Camp, NUNI engages leaders, faculty, and students to foster a vibrant academic community. These initiatives are designed to advance higher education in Indonesia through enhanced collaboration, knowledge exchange, and shared innovation, ensuring that Indonesian universities continue to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and competitive world.

(Words by: Mita Adhisti/Editor: Hamzah Ramadhan)