Bandung, August 24, 2025 — The Biocita Formica team from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) conducted research on tree-conservation strategies practiced by the Baduy Dalam community in Cijerenong Forest, Cibeo Village, Kanekes, Lebak Regency, from 20–24 August 2025. The study aimed to document the Indigenous community’s local knowledge regarding the preservation of their customary forest, or Leuweung Kolot, which has been sustainably maintained for generations.

The team departed from Leuwipanjang Terminal, Bandung, on Wednesday evening (20/8) and arrived in Saketi later that night. The following morning, they continued their journey to Binong for an initial interview with a key community figure and primary informant, Ayah Sangsang, who also served as their field guide. His son, Ayah Sayuti, accompanied the team throughout the research activities.

Using in-depth interviews and field surveys, the team explored conservation practices of the Baduy Dalam community. All activities followed local customary rules, including strict prohibitions on taking photos, recording videos, or capturing audio. These restrictions reflect the Baduy Dalam community’s deeply rooted respect for their customary territory and its documentation protocols.

Data collection continued until 23 August, after which the team traveled out of the customary area toward Baduy Luar on 24 August. The group arrived at the Ciboleger Gate around 14.00 WIB, marking the conclusion of their research activities.

Baduy community leader Ayah Sangsang emphasized that forest conservation principles are an inherent part of Indigenous identity.
“If only we protect the forest, we wouldn’t be strong enough. The forest is entrusted to us. If it is damaged, people will suffer,” he stated.

His remarks highlight the crucial role Indigenous communities play in maintaining ecological balance within forest areas.

Hawa, the project leader, noted that the visit to Baduy Dalam offered valuable insights into culturally rooted natural-resource use.
“Visiting Baduy Dalam was an invaluable experience. We learned that trees, leaves, and fruits are used not only for building materials but also for medicine and ritual needs,” she said.

In addition to studying tree-conservation practices, the team gained a deeper understanding of the customary values that govern the community’s relationship with nature. The traditional saying “Gunung teu meunang dilebur, lebak teu meunang diruksak” (mountains must not be destroyed, lowlands must not be damaged) continues to serve as a moral foundation for environmental stewardship among the Baduy people.

Nabila Ramadhani, Head of KPA Biocita Formica, expressed her appreciation for the smooth execution of the research program.
“It was an excellent journey, and the trekking truly reflected a long-distance field experience. Keep learning and growing,” she encouraged.

Support also came from Kang Mamad, an alumnus from Biocita Formica’s first cohort, who mentored participants in technical preparation and overall implementation. He hopes the program will contribute meaningfully to students’ understanding of biological sciences.

This research forms part of Biocita Formica’s efforts to explore conservation concepts rooted in local wisdom. The findings are expected to enrich ethnobiological studies and encourage broader collaboration between academics and Indigenous communities in forest and biodiversity conservation. (Contributor)

Bandung, August 18, 2025 – The Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education (FPTI) at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) hosted a hybrid seminar titled “Driving Sustainability in Higher Education: UTM’s Green Campus Experience” as part of the GREAT Summer Program 2025. The event took place on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Auditorium Building A, FPTI UPI Campus, Jln. Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung.

Dr. Mustika Nuramalia Handayani, Chairperson of the GREAT Summer Program 2025, explained that the session was part of the onsite segment following an earlier online program attended by over 200 participants from nine countries. “We invited Dr. Yusri because UTM is a prime example of a university that has successfully developed a systemic green culture, which aligns closely with this year’s summer program theme,” she stated.

The seminar featured keynote speaker Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yusri bin Kamin from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). In his presentation, Dr. Yusri shared UTM’s experience in building a green campus culture through sustainable policies, renewable energy innovations, Living Laboratory initiatives, and the implementation of the ESG Framework (Environment, Social, and Governance). These efforts support several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The onsite session was attended by approximately 60 students from Indonesia, Malaysia, and other ASEAN countries. The event concluded with an interactive discussion and group photo session, reaffirming FPTI UPI’s commitment to advancing regional collaboration for green and sustainable vocational education.

The seminar also served as a meaningful moment to commemorate Indonesia’s Independence Day, reflecting the spirit of building a greener and globally competitive campus. (Contributor)

Bandung, August 13, 2025 – Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) proudly celebrates the achievement of Dr. Asri Wibawa Sakti, S.Pd., M.Pd., Head Supervisor of Miss Bintang Indonesia and a lecturer in the Fashion Design Education Study Program, Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education (FPTI). Dr. Asri was once again entrusted as an Honorary Judge at the prestigious Miss Bintang Indonesia (MBI) 2025 competition.

The event featured three categories—MBI (Adult), MBRI (Teen), and MBI Kids—bringing together talented contestants from over 32 provinces across Indonesia. This year’s competition was organized in collaboration between Dr. Asri Wibawa Sakti, Taufik Sanjaya, S.Pd.I., M.Pd., CHCO (Owner), Ika Setya Yuni Astuti, and Muhammad Richy Khaerul Barkah (Creative Director & Talent Director).

The four-day series of events began on August 5, 2025, with contestant quarantine and interview sessions at Yuan Garden Pasar Baru Jakarta. On August 6, the Motion Challenge and Sport Wear Competition were held at Sky Swim Pool, Gajah Mada Plaza. The Preliminary Show and Talent Show followed on August 7, leading up to the grand finale on August 8 at Mantra PIK 2, which opened with a Q&A session and concluded with the announcement of winners.

Judging was based on three main aspects: beauty (appearance and elegance), brain (intelligence and critical thinking), and behaviour (attitude, ethics, and personality). The grand final judging panel included Vaishnavi Rai (Miss Unity World 2024, India), Amit (Founder/CEO of Miss Unity World, India), Dr. Asri Wibawa Sakti, Ika Setya Yuni Astuti, S.Sosio., M.Si. (Chairperson of Miss Bintang Indonesia Foundation), Mr. Mayank (Vice President of Miss Unity World, India), Mamih Irene (fashion entrepreneur), and actor Leon Dozan.

Organizers noted that Dr. Asri’s presence brought significant value to the judging process, thanks to his expertise in fashion design, educational background, and dedication to nurturing young talent. His involvement reflects UPI’s active role in professional arenas and reinforces its reputation as an institution committed to fostering creativity, professionalism, and achievement on both national and international levels.

The Miss Bintang Indonesia 2025 titles went to Adinda Aurora (Adult), Velina Isma Zeni (Kids), and Sherin Davita Poligo (Teen). These winners are expected to serve as role models and inspiration for Indonesia’s young generation through their achievements, character, and positive contributions to society. (contributor)

Bandung, August, 11 2025 – Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) has recently added 3 new Professors. They are Dr. Elah Nurlaelah, M.Si., Dr. Andhy Setiawan, S.Pd., M.Si., and Dr. Heni Mulyani, M.Pd. The three faculty members received the Decree from the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia regarding the Promotion of Academic/Functional Position for Lecturers. The Decree was handed over directly by UPI Rector, Prof. Dr. Didi Sukyadi, M.A., on Monday (11/8/2025) at the Meeting Room of the Parterre Building, 1st Floor, UPI Campus, Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung.

The event was attended by UPI’s leadership, including the Chairman of the Academic Senate, Chairman of the Board of Professors, Vice Rectors, Deans of FPMIPA and FPEB, Head of the HR Bureau, and Head of the Public Relations Office.

Details of the Academic Position Promotions

• Dr. Elah Nurlaelah, M.Si. was promoted to Professor in the field of Algebra Learning at the Higher Education level, based on Decree Number 3218/M/KPT.KP/2025.
• Dr. Andhy Setiawan, S.Pd., M.Si. was appointed as Professor in the field of Functional Material Physics, according to Decree Number 3217/M/KPT.KP/2025.
• Dr. Heni Mulyani, M.Pd. was promoted to Professor in the field of Accounting Pedagogy, based on Decree Number 3219/M/KPT.KP/2025.

UPI Rector Prof. Dr. Didi Sukyadi expressed that the addition of new Professors strengthens UPI’s commitment to the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. He is confident that this promotion will encourage increased research productivity, teaching, and community service. Prof. Didi also emphasized the importance of a healthy regeneration process among faculty members and students.

“To increase the number of Professors, we need a structured approach. New lecturers who do not yet have functional positions must be supported to develop their research and publication skills. Once they are competent and have their own expertise, the process of applying for a professorship will be easier,” said Prof. Didi.

Chairman of the Board of Professors (DGB) of UPI, Prof. Dr. Dadang Sunendar, M. Hum., expressed gratitude for this achievement. UPI now has 239 Professors out of more than 1,600 lecturers. He appreciated the accelerated pace of professorship appointments in the last five years, which has been faster compared to previous years. “This is an achievement we should be grateful for. With these three new Professors, we hope UPI can strengthen its role and contribution in various fields of knowledge,” said Prof. Dadang.

He also added that the acceleration of professorship appointments must be carried out with various efforts that comply with the applicable procedures, as outlined in the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Regulation (MENDIKBUDRISTEK) Number 39 of 2021 on Academic Integrity in Producing Scholarly Works.

With the addition of these three Professors, UPI further demonstrates its commitment to improving academic quality and strengthening its position in higher education. Their presence is expected to have a positive impact on the development of research, teaching, and community service. (contributor)

Bandung, August, 11 2025 – The Rector of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), Prof. Dr. Didi Sukyadi, M.A., welcomed a visit from Yusuke Nakano, the Mayor of Hamamatsu, Japan, on Monday (11/8) at the Meeting Room of the Parterre Building, UPI Campus, Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung. The meeting was held to discuss potential cooperation in the field of education between Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia and the City of Hamamatsu.

During the visit, Mayor Yusuke Nakano shared that there are currently about two thousand Indonesian citizens living in Hamamatsu, many of whom are workers and students. This has been made possible due to the long-standing cooperation between the Hamamatsu city government and the Bandung city government, which has been ongoing since 2014, fostering the development of both cities.

“Our visit to UPI is to explore the potential for cooperation between UPI and the City of Hamamatsu in the fields of academia and culture, especially considering UPI’s strong academic programs, particularly in Japanese language education and nursing. Therefore, we are opening opportunities for UPI alumni who are interested in working or continuing their studies in Hamamatsu,” said Yusuke Nakano.

He expressed hope that the collaboration in education and culture would soon materialize, aiming to benefit both parties in their mutual development.

Meanwhile, UPI Rector Prof. Dr. Didi Sukyadi, M.A. warmly welcomed the proposed cooperation. According to Prof. Didi, UPI has maintained a strong relationship with Japan, not only through collaborations with various universities but also through the cultural benefits of Japan. One such example is the construction of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FPMIPA) building through a JICA project, which still stands firm, as well as the Lesson Study program that collaborates with several school partners.

“Japan has been a great help to UPI, both academically and non-academically. We want more UPI alumni to be able to pursue careers in Japan or continue their studies there. Of course, this opportunity should not be limited to the Japanese language education program but should also include other academic programs,” said Prof. Didi Sukyadi. Looking ahead, UPI will continue to facilitate anyone, including UPI alumni, who wants to build a career in Japan, particularly in Hamamatsu. With this collaboration, the process will be made easier, and likewise, it will be possible for residents of Hamamatsu to experience studying at UPI.

After the meeting with the Rector of UPI, Mayor Yusuke Nakano and his delegation participated in a public lecture session at the auditorium of the Faculty of Language and Literature Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, on the 4th floor. The event was attended by the Vice Deans of FPBS, faculty members, and students from the Japanese Language Education program at UPI.

In his lecture, Mayor Yusuke Nakano provided an introduction to Hamamatsu as a multicultural city in Japan. During his presentation, he also opened up opportunities for students and alumni who are interested in pursuing careers in Hamamatsu, Japan. (DN)