North Aceh, UPI

A team from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), through its Program Pengembangan Bakat dan Kreativitas (Prodbk), has joined forces with Komunitas Aceh Berdaya, Relawan Mengajar from FKIP Universitas Malikussaleh (Unimal), as well as local institutions including BNPB and the Muara Batu Sub-district government. Together, they are carrying out a community service program focused on teaching and psychosocial support for students affected by flooding in Dusun Pasi, Desa Bungkaih, on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The area was severely impacted by floods that began on November 29, 2025. Around 150 children, ranging from kindergarten to high school, took part in the activities held in BNPB evacuation tents. The sessions were designed to be child friendly and adapted to suit different age groups.

The Prodbk team consists of eight members two lecturers and six trained students and alumni. Over the course of approximately eight days, they are providing psychosocial support across several affected areas in North Aceh.

The program uses an Adventure Based Counseling approach, an experiential and game based method that allows children to learn while processing their emotions. The activities are structured into three stages beginning, working, and closure with the goal of building positive values and strengthening coping skills.

Led by Prof. Dr. Nandang Rusmana, M.Pd, along with other lecturers and students from Prodbk UPI, the team facilitates trauma recovery through a range of engaging activities such as coloring, educational games, the introduction of “math vaccine,” and guided psychosocial sessions. Through this collaboration, children are able to experience a safe and enjoyable learning environment that helps them gradually overcome trauma and regain their motivation to learn after the disaster.

At the closing session, Prof. Nandang emphasized that this initiative goes beyond a typical social activity. It reflects the deeper responsibility of higher education institutions to be present and responsive to community needs especially in times of crisis. As universities of education, they carry a moral and social duty to contribute in meaningful and sustainable ways, particularly in supporting vulnerable groups such as children.

In addition, this initiative directly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by addressing children’s mental health and psychosocial recovery, SDG 4 (Quality Education) by restoring safe and engaging learning opportunities after disaster, and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by strengthening community resilience and collaboration in affected areas. (Prodbk)

Bandung, UPI

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) held an inauguration and oath taking ceremony for the interim Dean of the Faculty of Educational Sciences (FIP) on Thursday morning (February 5, 2026) at the Partere Building. The ceremony was led by UPI rector Prof. Didi Sukyadi, M.A., and attended by university leaders, including members of the Board of Trustees, Academic Senate, Audit Committee, vice rectors, the Professors’ Council, as well as deans and heads of work units.

During the ceremony, Aan Komariah was officially sworn in as interim Dean of FIP, replacing Dr. H. Nandang Budiman, S.Pd., M.Si., who was released from the position for the 2025–2030 period. The appointment is based on the Rector’s Decree No. 299/UN40/KP.06.04/2026, effective February 5, 2026, with the term running until August 20, 2030.

In his remarks, the Rector emphasized the need for UPI to adopt a more adaptive and fast moving work culture. He highlighted the importance of changing work patterns to achieve better results, echoing the idea that different outcomes require new approaches. This spirit is reflected in the vision of UPI Melesat not just as a slogan, but as a shared commitment to work faster, more precisely, and with real impact.

He also pointed to efforts to strengthen performance through the MTB (Additional Impactful Benefits) policy, stressing that these incentives are tied to clear targets and measurable achievements, both individually and institutionally. In addition, he underlined the importance of academic discipline, including regular attendance and direct engagement between lecturers and students, as part of maintaining high standards of service and academic excellence.

The ceremony included the signing of an integrity pact by the newly appointed dean. This commitment covers carrying out responsibilities with professionalism and integrity, ensuring transparent and accountable governance, maintaining neutrality, and avoiding corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN). It also highlights the importance of improving academic services, including research and community engagement, while upholding the principles of good governancesuch as transparency, accountability, participation, effectiveness, efficiency, rule of law, and fairness.

The Rector also reminded all attendees of the importance of safeguarding the institution’s reputation and managing internal matters wisely for the greater good.

In a brief interview, Prof. Aan Komariah expressed her readiness to work closely with the FIP academic community in supporting the broader UPI Melesat vision toward becoming a leading university. She emphasized strengthening the tridharma of higher education particularly impactful research, meaningful and empathetic community service, and teaching grounded in the values of educational science, including humanism and care. Moving forward, FIP is also expected to enhance collaboration, participation, empowerment, and the use of technology, while expanding academic forums such as international seminars and conferences, and accelerating the development of lecturers toward professorship.

Furthermore, this leadership transition supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by strengthening academic quality and student-centered learning, and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by reinforcing transparency, accountability, and good governance within higher education institutions. (CS)

Bandung, UPI

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) continues to expand its network of strategic partnerships, including strengthening its long-standing collaboration with Pribadi Bilingual Boarding School Bandung. This partnership, which has been built over the years, is now being formalized and developed into a more structured and sustainable collaboration. The agreement was signed at the Meeting Room of the Partere Building, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung, on Thursday (January 29, 2026).

Prof. Dr. Agus Setiabudi, M. Si, Vice-Rector for Research, Community Service, and Partnerships at UPI, stated, “Both personally and institutionally, the relationship between UPI and Pribadi Bilingual Boarding School Bandung has been established since 2009, marked by the involvement of UPI students in teaching practicum activities as well as ongoing academic interactions between lecturers and the school. However, this existing collaboration is considered to have great potential to be further expanded and formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).”

Prof. Agus Setiabudhi explained that the process leading to the MoU began with discussions on various concrete and mutually beneficial collaboration opportunities. “Once clear and practical forms of cooperation have been identified, we then proceed to the MoU. Our policy requires prior discussions on concrete collaboration plans before any agreement is signed,” he said.

Furthermore, Prof. Agus explained that this collaboration will be translated into various concrete programs. One of them is the continuation of UPI students’ teaching practicum at Pribadi Bilingual Boarding School Bandung. In addition, UPI lecturers will have opportunities to develop teaching models and methods through research conducted directly in the school environment.

“These research activities are not only aimed at testing and validating learning models, but also involve school teachers as practitioners. Collaboration between academics and practitioners will certainly provide significant added value,” he added.

From the school’s perspective, the collaboration also opens access to UPI’s academic expertise, particularly in strengthening educational laboratories and curriculum development. This is expected to enhance the overall quality of teaching and learning while bringing tangible benefits to both institutions.

Arif Rahman Rhoma, General Manager of Pribadi Bilingual Boarding School Bandung, shared that the partnership has long been rooted in close cooperation, even before it was formally established. “Our connection has existed for a long time. Even before this formal agreement, UPI has already contributed greatly to both our students and the university students assigned here,” he explained.

He also highlighted the positive impact of UPI graduates particularly from teacher education programs on classroom quality, noting that many of their innovations have been directly felt within the school environment.

The signing of this MoU marks a new chapter in the partnership between UPI and the Pribadi Bandung Foundation. The foundation expressed its appreciation for the collaboration with UPI, recognizing its strong reputation and contribution to education in Indonesia. At the same time, the partnership helps address the school’s need for high-quality educators and supports continuous professional development.

Through this collaboration, both institutions are committed to developing programs that focus on improving teacher quality, strengthening pedagogical practices, and contributing to the advancement of education in Indonesia. “Insha Allah, this MoU will be the beginning of many meaningful collaborations that can further improve education in Indonesia,” he added.

Moving forward, this partnership is expected to benefit not only both institutions and their students, but also the wider community. With a shared spirit of collaboration, both parties are optimistic that this cooperation will create a lasting positive impact and contribute to better quality education.

Through the strengthening of this collaboration, UPI reaffirms its commitment to building strategic partnerships with various educational institutions, both at the national and international levels, in order to support the development of education, research, and community service. (Rija/DN)

Moreover, this initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing teacher training, research, and curriculum development, as well as SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strong collaboration between universities and schools that bridges academic knowledge with real classroom practice.

Bandung, UPI

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) continues to expand its global network through a visit from a delegation of Nippon Sport Science University (NSSU), Japan. This visit builds on a long standing partnership that is now being developed into more concrete collaborations in education, sports, and cultural exchange. The event took place at the DSTI Meeting Room on the 1st Floor of the PPG Building, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung, on Monday (January 2, 2026).

Prof. Vanessa Gaffar, S.E. Ak., MBA., Vice Rector for Education and Quality Assurance at UPI, explained that during the visit, NSSU delegates conducted live teaching practice at UPI’s Lab School as part of applied academic collaboration. The program also involved the Physical Education, Health, and Recreation (PJKR) Study Program and the Faculty of Sport and Health Education (FPOK), where participants engaged in academic discussions and shared learning experiences.

Beyond academics, the visit also highlighted cultural exchange through demonstrations of traditional games from both Indonesia and Japan. This hands-on interaction emphasized that cultural learning is most meaningful when experienced directly, rather than only through books or digital media.

Looking ahead, both institutions hope to expand the scope of this collaboration. “We expect this partnership to go beyond visits and teaching practice,” she said. “There is a shared commitment to develop broader initiatives, including two-way student exchanges, joint research, collaborative publications, as well as faculty and professor exchanges.”

Through this partnership, UPI reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the internationalization of education and enhancing the quality of the tridharma of higher education through continuous global collaboration.

This initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting innovation in teaching and international academic exchange, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through the advancement of physical education and sports, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering cross-border academic and cultural collaboration. (Rija/DN)

Bandung, UPI

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), through its Directorate of Partnerships and International Affairs (DKUI), welcomed five exchange students from La Rochelle Université, France. The welcoming session was held at the Center of Excellence (COE) UPI’s Building on Monday, February 2, 2026.

The students were received by Prof. Dr. Vanessa Gaffar, S.E., Ak., MBA., UPI’s Vice-Rector for Education and Quality Assurance. The visit is part of an ongoing partnership between the two institutions, which has been in place since 2019 and continues to be renewed each year.

In her remarks, Prof. Vanessa highlighted that the student-exchange program plays an important role in strengthening UPI’s internationalization efforts. “One of UPI’s performance targets is to increase the number of international students. This student exchange program shows that UPI is trusted by partner universities abroad as a place for their students to study,” she said.

She added that this trust reflects international recognition of UPI’s academic standards. Prof. Vanessa also expressed her hope that the international students will adapt well and actively engage with Indonesian students throughout the program.

During their stay, the five students will take part in academic activities for one full semester, from February until June 30, 2026. Alongside internship programs, they will attend courses across several study programs, including English Language and Literature, French Language Education, and Sundanese Language Education, as well as supporting courses such as content writing, exploring fiction, academic writing, and Introduction to Indonesian for Foreign Speakers (BIPA).

Pupung Purnawarman, M.Sc.Ed., Ph.D., Director of DKUI, explained that the program is designed to offer a well-rounded experience that combines academic learning with cultural exposure. “The five students from La Rochelle will take part in an exchange program that includes internships and coursework across several study programs for one full semester, starting today until June 30, 2026,” he said.

Beyond academic activities, the students are also encouraged to immerse themselves in Indonesian culture. One of the participants, Fannela Jeanne, shared her excitement about learning Sundanese, a regional language she had never studied before.

“I had never studied it before, but I really like it. For me, language is part of culture, so it’s important to learn it. I want to feel as close as possible to Indonesia,” she said.

DKUI ensures that all administrative needs of international students including the processing of student identification numbers (NIM), student mobility forms, as well as academic and non-academic support are handled through a centralized system. The students will also be accompanied by student buddies throughout their activities on campus.

Through this program, UPI continues to strengthen its role as a trusted global partner while fostering a more inclusive and collaborative academic environment.

Furthermore, this initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting cross-cultural learning and academic mobility, as well as SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through inclusive international exchange and collaboration. (RK)