Bandung, UPI

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), through its Directorate of Partnerships and International Affairs (Direktorat Kemitraan dan Urusan Internasional/DKUI), is advancing a strategic collaboration with Cicendo Eye Hospital, marking a significant step toward strengthening long-term synergy in education, research, and community service. The commitment was discussed in an online meeting on Wednesday (January 7, 2026), serving as a preparatory stage for a more comprehensive partnership.

The meeting also laid the groundwork for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), scheduled for January 31, 2026, coinciding with the 117th anniversary of Cicendo Eye Hospital. Although both institutions have maintained a partnership since 2020, program implementation began to accelerate in 2023 following the pandemic.

One of the flagship initiatives at the center of this collaboration is “Sekolahku Cicendo–UPI,” an innovative in-patient school model designed to ensure that hospitalized children continue to receive their right to education. Managed by UPI’s Special Education Study Program under the coordination of dr. Riksma Akhlan, M.Pd., the program delivers informal, creative learning activities aimed at supporting children’s psychosocial recovery during medical treatment.

Dean of the Faculty of Education (Fakultas Ilmu Pendidikan/FIP) UPI, Dr. Nandang Budiman, M.Si., emphasized the importance of expanding the program’s impact. “We are working to strengthen implementation through more inclusive learning approaches, additional psychological services, collaborative research, and internship opportunities for students,” he explained.

UPI’s Faculty of Medicine is also playing a vital role in the partnership. Dean Prof. Dr. Hamidie Ronald Daniel Ray, Ph.D., expressed readiness to contribute through promotive and preventive health initiatives. These include physical activity education to prevent degenerative diseases, early awareness programs on diabetic retinopathy—a condition that can lead to blindness if untreated—and research on children’s eye health to improve long-term quality of life.

Representatives from Cicendo Eye Hospital, including Legal and Public Relations Manager Ria Darmasari, S.IP., M.M., and Head of Child and Women Protection dr. Anne Susanty, SpA(K), M.Kes., welcomed the strengthened collaboration. They affirmed their commitment to translating the MoU into more technical cooperation agreements with relevant faculties at UPI.

The discussion was attended by leaders from both institutions. From UPI, there were the Director of DKI Jakarta University (DKUI), Pupung Purnawarman, M.S.Ed., Ph.D.; the Head of the National Partnership Division, Heri Setiyorini, Ph.D.; the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine (FK), Prof. Dr. Hamidie Ronald Daniel Ray, M.Pd., Ph.D.; the Dean of the Faculty of Education (FIP), Dr. Nandang Budiman, M.Si.; the Vice Deans, Heads of Study Programs, and relevant staff. Meanwhile, Cicendo Eye Hospital was represented by the Legal and Public Relations Manager, Ria Darmasari, S.IP., M.M.; the Head of Child and Women’s Protection, Dr. Anne Susanty, SpA(K), M.Kes.; and the medical team and relevant staff.

This synergy is expected to be more than just a formal document, but also to have a real impact on society. Through education on child-friendly and inclusive hospitals, UPI and Cicendo Eye Hospital affirm their roles as pillars of public service based on humanitarian values ​​and innovation.

Furthermore, this initiative strongly aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by ensuring access to inclusive learning for hospitalized children; SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, through integrated healthcare and preventive education; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering meaningful collaboration between educational and healthcare institutions. (Ajeng)

Bandung, UPI

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) has once again demonstrated its excellence on the international stage, as its students secured an impressive total of 14 medals at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand. This remarkable achievement reinforces UPI’s reputation as a leading and competitive institution in the development of high-performance sports at the national level.

In recognition of this outstanding accomplishment, UPI has granted a special reward to its student-athletes in the form of a full tuition fee waiver (Uang Kuliah Tunggal/UKT) for two semesters. The initiative reflects the university’s strong commitment to appreciating the dedication, discipline, and perseverance of students who have brought pride to the institution.

“The tuition waiver is a form of appreciation for the highest level of achievement demonstrated by our students at the SEA Games,” said Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Business, Prof. Yudhi Sukmayadi, emphasizing the university’s continued support for athletic excellence.

Beyond financial incentives, UPI is also set to strengthen its support system for student sports organizations (Unit Kegiatan Mahasiswa/UKM). This includes enhancing facilities, upgrading equipment, and providing more structured and intensive training programs. These efforts are designed to help student-athletes continuously improve their performance and remain competitive at both national and international levels.

The 14 medals were earned across seven sports, including rowing, squash, baseball, hockey, and football. Among these achievements, UPI athletes secured two gold medals—highlighting their strong potential across multiple disciplines.

Looking ahead, UPI aims to increase its medal tally through a more systematic and sustainable athlete development system. Faculties and study programs will be encouraged to identify promising talents early on, followed by intensive and structured training programs to nurture their capabilities.

“As a leading and outstanding university, we are committed to achieving even greater success in the years to come. The key lies in consistent and well-programmed training from an early stage,” Prof. Yudhi added.

At the same time, the Dean of the Faculty of Sports and Health Education (Fakultas Pendidikan Olahraga dan Kesehatan/FPOK), Prof. Dr. Komarudin, M.Pd.  highlighted the importance of optimizing sports infrastructure—from training fields to specialized equipment. UPI is also fostering athlete regeneration through partnerships with institutions such as the Cibubur Youth Athlete Training Centre (CYATC), whose graduates are now being directed to continue both their academic and athletic development at UPI.

Through these strategic measures, UPI remains optimistic about producing more high-achieving student-athletes capable of competing on the global stage, while further strengthening its position as a leading hub for sports excellence in Indonesia.

Furthermore, this initiative aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by supporting students’ academic access and development alongside their athletic careers, and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, through the promotion of sports and physical excellence. Additionally, it reflects SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, as the tuition waiver helps ease financial barriers for high-achieving students, ensuring that talent and dedication are recognized regardless of economic background. (Ajeng)

Bandung, UPI

The spirit of cross-institutional collaboration continues to grow at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI). On Tuesday (January 6), UPI welcomed a delegation from Universitas Jabal Ghafur (UNIGHA) Aceh to reinforce the implementation of previously established strategic partnerships. The meeting, held at the Partere Building, Bumi Siliwangi, marked a significant step toward transforming formal agreements into tangible actions with direct impact on educational development and community empowerment.

The session brought together key leaders from both institutions. Representing UPI were Vice Rector for Research, Community Service, and Partnerships Prof. Dr. Agus Setiabudi, M.Si., alongside the Director of the Directorate of Partnerships and International Affairs (Direktorat Kemitraan dan Urusan Internasional/DKUI) Dr. Pupung Purnawarman, M.Sc.Ed., Ph.D., and Head of the National Partnership Division Heri Puspito Diyah Setiyorini, M.M., Ph.D. Meanwhile, the UNIGHA delegation was led by Rector Dr. H. Heri Fajri, M.Pd., accompanied by Vice Rector II for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Cooperation Dr. Basri, M.Pd., Foundation Advisor Diana Devi, B.H.Sc., M.Pd., and Deputy Secretary of the Foundation Teuku Yasser, S.Psi., M.Pd.

During the constructive discussions, both parties agreed on several strategic agendas centered on human resource development and regional innovation strengthening. Key initiatives include capacity-building programs for UNIGHA lecturers through collaborative classes at UPI, student mobility programs to enrich cross-campus academic experiences, and opportunities for tripartite research collaboration involving UPI, UNIGHA, and local governments. These efforts aim to generate research-based solutions tailored to regional needs.

In addition, both institutions explored collaboration in community service, particularly for disaster-affected communities. Planned programs include psychosocial rehabilitation (trauma healing) and the development of community education models designed to enhance resilience in disaster-prone areas.

More than a ceremonial visit, the meeting underscored a shared commitment to positioning higher education institutions as active agents of development. This strategic collaboration is expected to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education through improved access and capacity building, as well as SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through psychosocial support initiatives, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering strong institutional cooperation.

Through this synergy, UPI and UNIGHA are optimistic about building an inclusive and sustainable academic ecosystem—one where innovation and academic excellence translate into real, measurable benefits for communities, both in West Java and Aceh Province. (Ajeng)

Bandung, UPI

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) is strengthening its collaboration with Tanjungwangi Village, located in Cijambe District, Subang Regency, through the Community Partnership Program (Pengabdian Kemitraan Masyarakat/PKM) Batch III 2025. The initiative focuses on developing sustainable edu-tourism based on the village’s freshwater river and fisheries potential.

Funded by UPI and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, the program adopts an educational, participatory, and practical approach by involving key village stakeholders. These include BUMDes Betah Mandiri, the Tanjungwangi Village Government, Karang Taruna (youth organization), the Village Consultative Body (Badan Permusyawaratan Desa/BPD), PKK women’s group, and students from MAPACH FPIPS UPI. The program began in May 2025 with surveys and focus group discussions (FGDs), followed by intensive implementation from September through December 13, 2025.

Led by Dr. Asep Mahpudz, M.Si., alongside team members Prof. Dr. Karim Suryadi, M.Si., Dr. Acep Supriadi, M.Pd., M.AP, and Dr. Syaifullah, M.Si., the initiative is designed as a foundation for strengthening the village economy through locally driven resources.

“UPI is committed to delivering impactful community service by building village institutional capacity and integrating water resources, fisheries, and the environment into a unified sustainable edu-tourism model,” Dr. Asep Mahpudz stated.

The program includes a series of activities such as village potential mapping through FGDs, training in social entrepreneurship and village resource management, workshops on freshwater fish processing, and environmental action through the clean-up and revitalization of the 1.2-kilometer Cileuleuy Udik River. Additionally, simulation and trial runs of educational rafting were conducted as part of the edu-tourism development.

Tanjungwangi Village Head Budi Santoso, S.E. expressed appreciation for the collaboration, highlighting hopes for continued development. “We hope Tanjungwangi Village can grow into a leading edu-tourism destination based on river and freshwater fisheries, with ongoing support from UPI,” he said.

Support for the program’s sustainability was also emphasized by Prof. Dr. Cecep Darmawan, Dean of FPIPS UPI, who reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to strengthening edu-tourism villages. This was further reinforced by Dr. Sandey Tantra Paramitha, M.Pd., Head of the Sustainable Community Service and Empowerment Division at UPI, who noted that future collaboration will be formalized through institutional partnerships between UPI and Tanjungwangi Village.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Karim Suryadi, M.Si., stressed the importance of translating local water resource potential into tangible economic benefits for the community. “This program must continue to grow with support from local governments so that Tanjungwangi can become a model for water-based edu-tourism in Subang Regency,” he explained.

Moreover, through the PKM Batch III initiative, UPI contributes directly to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 15: Life on Land. By strengthening a village economy rooted in sustainable local potential, the program demonstrates how community-based innovation can drive both environmental stewardship and economic resilience. (Ajeng)

Bandung, UPI

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) continues to expand its global academic footprint by strengthening international collaboration through the Promoter Collaboration Enhancement Program (Program Penguatan Kolaborasi Promotor/PKP) and the International Publication Quality Improvement Program (Program Peningkatan Kualitas Publikasi International/PKPI) at the University of Canberra (UC), Australia. These initiatives are part of the PMDSU (Pendidikan Magister Menuju Doktor untuk Sarjana Unggul/Master’s to Doctoral Education Program for Outstanding Graduates) scheme funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.

As part of the program, UPI doctoral student in Mathematics Education and PMDSU Batch VII awardee, Nur Riski Hasanah, together with her supervisor Prof. Turmudi, participated in a series of academic and research activities at UC’s Faculty of Education and the STEM Education Research Centre (SERC). The PKP program ran from December 9–22, 2025, while the PKPI program is scheduled to continue until March 8, 2026.

Throughout the program, the UPI delegation actively engaged in research discussions, academic meetings, and scientific presentations alongside UC lecturers, researchers, and doctoral students. Associate Professor Sitti Maesuri Patahuddin, Ph.D. served as the key collaborator, facilitating intensive activities, particularly in introducing the STEM research ecosystem and optimizing the use of SERC facilities.

A key highlight occurred on Thursday, December 11, 2025, when the delegation met with SERC Director Professor Ilyse Resnick, who presented findings from a Discovery Grant project focused on developing spatial reasoning through educational games. This discussion opened pathways for future linkage grants and deeper research collaboration between UPI and UC.

The academic exchange also involved prominent UC scholars, including Prof. Deborah Pino Pasternak, Dr. Holly Tootell, Lucy Bennett, and Nicola Kovacs, who explored various issues in mathematics and STEM education. Topics ranged from self-regulated learning and teacher self-efficacy to the development of programs for gifted and talented students.

During the research presentation session, Nur Riski Hasanah presented her dissertation on developing an integrated STEM learning model based on ethnomathematics. Meanwhile, Prof. Turmudi emphasized the importance of meaningful, contextual mathematics learning that connects directly to real-life experiences.

This initiative aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by strengthening research and enhancing the capacity of educational human resources, as well as SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through fostering strategic collaboration between Indonesian higher education institutions and international partners. Such cross-border academic collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of sustainable education and the overall quality of research.

The program reached its peak on December 18, 2025, with a high-level meeting involving UC Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education Janet Smith, Indonesian Education Attaché in Australia Prof. Yuli Rahmawati, and the UPI delegation. The meeting focused on strengthening strategic UC–UPI cooperation, exploring opportunities for joint academic programs, and outlining follow-up plans through Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) and Agreements (MoA).

Beyond academic activities, the PKP and PKPI programs also emphasized social and cultural engagement, including interactions with the Indonesian community in Canberra and academic visits to several institutions across Australia. These efforts further reinforce UPI’s position as a globally engaged university actively contributing to the development of education and research on an international scale. (Ajeng)