Bandung, November 7, 2025 —Muhamad Abdul Aziz, a student of the Architecture Study Program at the Faculty of Technology and Industry Education (FPTI), Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), has won 1st Place at the national level in the architectural facade design competition “Future Arcologies: Facades for Self-Sustaining Building.” The event was organized by the Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI) Jakarta in collaboration with PERAFI (Indonesian Facade Experts Association).

The Future Arcologies competition was part of GAFA 2025 (Glasstech Asia & Fenestration Asia), the largest glass and facade technology exhibition in the Asian region. Winners were officially announced on 7 November 2025.

Aziz’s work, titled “Paper Slice Tower,” presents a sustainable adaptive facade system for a 15-story mixed-use building located in Menteng, Jakarta. His design highlights the facade’s role as a regenerative and self-sustaining system for urban architecture. Key approaches in the project include:

1. Climate Adaptation and Resilience
   • Using curved GFRC panels shaped like paper slices, the facade acts as a massive sun-shading system that reduces the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) by up to 80%, potentially lowering passive cooling energy demand by 25%.
2. Ecological Integration
   • The “Ring of Green” concept incorporates vertical vegetation into the facade structure, supporting micro-biodiversity while mitigating the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect in dense urban environments.
3. Self-Sustaining Design and Low-Carbon Materiality
   • The project integrates Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) as an energy reserve system and uses GFRC materials with recycled aggregate, aligned with circular-economy principles.

This achievement demonstrates that UPI’s Architecture students excel not only in design aesthetics but also in delivering performance-based architectural solutions that address the challenges of tropical urban climates and sustainable development needs.

Beyond academic pride, this accomplishment also reinforces UPI’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, through facade technology innovations;
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, through adaptive and environmentally friendly building design;
• SDG 13 – Climate Action, through emission reduction and enhanced energy efficiency.

Aziz’s success serves as an inspiration for UPI’s vocational students to continue innovating, creating, and contributing to global issues through creative, sustainable, and impactful design approaches. (Contributor)

Bandung, November 6, 2025 – Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) has once again achieved remarkable international recognition. According to the QS World University Rankings (WUR) 2026, released in November 2025, UPI recorded a significant improvement compared to the previous year’s results.

In the latest ranking, UPI secured the #76 position in the QS Asian University Rankings: South-Eastern Asia, climbing one spot from #77 the year before. Furthermore, UPI advanced to #=391 in the QS Asian University Rankings 2026, an impressive rise from its previous position in the #441–450 range.

This achievement reflects UPI’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality education, advancing globally competitive research, and fostering community engagement that creates real impact. The university continues to strengthen its role as a Pioneering and Excellent University, upholding sustainability values and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly in quality education and global partnerships.

UPI Rector, Prof. Dr. Didi Sukyadi, M.A., expressed his deep appreciation to all members of the UPI academic community, alumni, and strategic partners whose dedication and collaboration have contributed to this achievement.

“This rise in ranking is the result of collective hard work and unity across the entire UPI community. We will continue to innovate and make meaningful contributions so that UPI becomes a university that excels not only academically but also in its tangible impact on society and the world,” he stated.

With this accomplishment, UPI further solidifies its position as one of the leading universities in Southeast Asia and continues its journey toward becoming a globally recognized institution of excellence. (Contributor)

Bandung, November 5, 2025 – Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) has officially signed a Regional Grant Agreement (Naskah Perjanjian Hibah Daerah / NPHD) with the Public Welfare Bureau (Biro Kesra) of the West Java Provincial Government. Through this collaboration, UPI received a grant of IDR 2.1 billion, which will be allocated to fund the “Beasiswa Jenius” (Jenius Scholarship) — a financial aid program for academically outstanding students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

UPI Rector, Prof. Dr. Didi Sukyadi, M.A., expressed his deep appreciation for the provincial government’s continuous support for higher education development in West Java.

“As the recipient of this regional grant in the form of the Jenius Scholarship, UPI highly appreciates the support from the West Java Provincial Government. This scholarship is designated for students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 who have demonstrated both academic excellence and financial need,” said the Rector following the signing ceremony.

He added that the scholarship funds would be disbursed shortly after the completion of administrative procedures, estimated within one to two weeks.

“The IDR 2.1 billion grant will be distributed to our bright and deserving students to help them complete their studies more efficiently and become productive graduates who can contribute to society,” Prof. Didi explained.

The Jenius Scholarship Program is specifically designed for undergraduate (S1) students, in accordance with the criteria set by the West Java Provincial Government. The selection process for scholarship recipients is carried out by faculty and regional campus leaders, taking into account both academic performance and students’ financial circumstances.

UPI and the West Java Provincial Government have long maintained a strong and collaborative relationship. Prof. Didi emphasized that such regional government support plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of human resources across the province.

“The support from the West Java Provincial Government for UPI has been remarkable. We’ve also received encouraging information that next year, the scholarship program will continue to grow — in terms of both the number of recipients and the total funding. We sincerely hope this synergy will continue to strengthen for the advancement of education in West Java,” he remarked.

As a leading and pioneering institution in education, UPI remains firmly committed to realizing its vision of becoming a globally competitive, innovative, and socially impactful university.

“When the people of West Java gain greater access to quality higher education, it contributes directly to the region’s economic growth. UPI stands ready to actively collaborate and advance together with West Java toward a brighter future,” concluded the Rector. (Contributor)

Bandung, November 4, 2025 – A total of twelve lecturers from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) were officially conferred the title of Professor during the 2025 Professorial Inauguration Ceremony held at the Achmad Sanusi Building, Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung. The ceremony took place over two days, Tuesday and Wednesday, November 4–5, 2025.

On the first day, six professors were inaugurated:

• Prof. Dr. Erlina Winayarti, M.Pd. (Faculty of Social Science Education – FPIPS)
• Prof. Dr. Juhanaini, M.Ed. (Faculty of Educational Science – FIP)
• Prof. Dr. Diding Nurdin, M.Pd. (Faculty of Educational Science – FIP)
• Prof. Dr. Ernawulan Syaodih, M.Pd. (Faculty of Educational Science – FIP)
• Prof. Dr. Mulyana, M.Pd. (Faculty of Sport and Health Education – FPOK)
• Prof. Dr. Mamat Supriatna, M.Pd. (Faculty of Educational Science – FIP)

Meanwhile, during the second day, six other professors were inaugurated:

• Prof. Dr. Supriadi, M.Pd. (UPI Regional Campus Serang)
• Prof. Gin Gin Gustine, M.Pd., Ph.D. (Faculty of Language and Literature Education – FPBS)
• Prof. Ika Lestari Damayanti, M.A., Ph.D. (Faculty of Language and Literature Education – FPBS)
• Prof. Dr. Andhy Setiawan, S.Pd., M.Si. (Faculty of Mathematics and Science Education – FPMIPA)
• Prof. Dr. Elah Nurlaelah, M.Si. (Faculty of Mathematics and Science Education – FPMIPA)
• Prof. Dr. Heni Mulyani, M.Pd. (Faculty of Economics and Business Education – FPEB)

In his address, UPI Rector Prof. Dr. Didi Sukyadi, M.A. stated that this inauguration marks a significant academic milestone and serves as a reaffirmation of the university’s commitment to advancing national civilization through education and knowledge.

“The conferment of the professorial title represents the highest recognition in academia. However, its meaning extends far beyond a mere title or position. It embodies a moral and intellectual mandate—to uphold the dignity of knowledge and to guide future generations toward truth and wisdom,” said the Rector.

He reminded the newly appointed professors of their profound responsibilities, particularly in advancing scientific knowledge in their respective fields. The Rector urged them to continuously engage in research, seek new insights, and provide enlightenment to their students.

“Becoming a professor is not the culmination of one’s achievements. There are administrative and scholarly responsibilities to fulfill. Each professor is required to publish in reputable international journals annually. Such contributions will undoubtedly benefit the development of science and scholarship,” he emphasized.

The Rector also highlighted the vital role of professors in both academic and non-academic activities, encouraging them to remain actively involved in mentoring and collaborating with students in research and leadership development.

“A professor must never be complacent, for knowledge is an infinite field,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, Chair of the UPI Council of Professors, Prof. Dr. Dadang Sunendar, M.Hum, reported that the current number of professors at UPI has reached 240, a remarkable achievement that serves as a source of pride and inspiration for the university community.

He added that, according to staffing data, there are 344 associate professors (Lektor Kepala) at UPI.

“We hope that many of them will continue their academic journey toward professorship. This progress will not only enhance UPI’s reputation but also affirm the excellence and expertise of its human resources,” he noted.

Prof. Sunendar also reminded that being a professor carries moral weight and societal responsibility.

“This achievement should not be seen merely as a personal accomplishment but as a collective success—an embodiment of UPI’s continuous progress, realized through the meaningful contributions and scholarly works of its professors,” he concluded. (Contributor)

Born in Garut on October 10, 1985, Gitalis Dwi Natarina grew up surrounded by music and dreams. When she joined Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) as part of the 2003 cohort in the Department of Sendratasik, Music Arts Program, she had already discovered a love for singing—a passion that UPI was destined to sharpen and elevate. “The lessons I gained at UPI Bandung aligned perfectly with my natural talents in the arts, especially vocal music,” Gitalis recalls, recognizing how the university shaped both her artistic and personal growth.​

In 2005, that combination of innate ability and university training led Gitalis to national recognition when she won first place at KDI (Kontes Dangdut Indonesia) as West Java’s representative. The same year, she was honoured as West Java’s Highest Achiever Teen by the provincial governor—a moment when her voice became the pride of a region.​

 A New Stage for Advocacy

Gitalis’s achievements did not stop at musical excellence. In 2009, she was elected to Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR RI), serving on Commission IX as a member of the National Awakening Party (PKB) from 2009 to 2014. Her career in public service continued as Executive advisor at the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) from 2019 to 2024, followed by a nomination for West Java deputy governor in 2024, and an appointment as a Senior Executive Advisor at the Ministry of Industry for 2025–2029

This seamless transition from art to policy was not an accident, but an evolution. “There are so many lessons I learned at UPI that continue to guide me,” she reflects, “especially the spirit to keep improving and contributing to society.”

Cultivating Talent and Building a Legacy

As she advanced through new roles in government and advocacy, Gitalis credits UPI with nurturing the qualities that underlie her success. “UPI has produced so many outstanding generations. I hope in the years to come; even more talented alumni will emerge and make us proud.” Her journey from the music stage to the halls of parliament exemplifies the university’s mission to foster multidimensional leaders—those able to bridge creativity, empathy, and policy impact.

Now holding a master degree in social science, she stands as a living testimony to the power of an education that harmonizes talent with service. Gitalis’s career weaves together the threads of musical artistry, parliamentary advocacy, and strategic vision for Indonesia’s future, all rooted in the principles she learned at UPI.​

Her story encourages alumni and students alike to embrace their unique talents—whether artistic or academic—and to use their voices to create a lasting, positive impact in any arena. “Let us keep striving, so UPI continues to shine as the birthplace of extraordinary generations,” she urges, inspiring future leaders to find their harmonies between aspiration and achievement.