Bandung, UPI
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) hosted the 8th International Conference on Local Wisdom (INCOLWIS VIII) 2026 as an academic forum to explore how local wisdom can be transformed to support the sustainability of culture, education, and global civilization. Held from November 10 to 12, 2026, the conference was officially opened at GH Universal Hotel, Bandung, on Tuesday (November 10, 2026).
The international conference carried the theme “Transforming Local Wisdom for Sustainable Culture, Education, and Global Civilization.” It brought together approximately 300 participants from 35 universities across Indonesia, including academics, lecturers, researchers, study program leaders, cultural practitioners, and experts in regional languages and cultures.
INCOLWIS VIII 2026 was organized by the Sundanese Language Education Study Program, Faculty of Language and Literature Education (FPBS), UPI, in collaboration with the Indonesian Association of Regional Culture Lecturers (IKADBUDI). The conference was conducted in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend sessions and exchange ideas regardless of geographical boundaries.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Fadli Zon, S.S., M.Sc., along with members of UPI’s leadership. The Rector’s address was delivered by UPI Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Business, Prof. Dr. phil. Yudi Sukmayadi, M.Pd., who also officially opened the conference.
In his remarks, the Vice Rector emphasized that local wisdom should not be regarded merely as a legacy of the past, but rather as a system of knowledge, values, and ways of life that remain relevant in addressing contemporary challenges. He highlighted the importance of examining cultural values through scientific inquiry, passing them on through education, and introducing them to global discourse.
“Local wisdom needs to be transformed: examined scientifically, taught through education, and introduced into global conversations on sustainability and civilization,” he stated.
The Chair of the INCOLWIS VIII 2026 Organizing Committee, Dr. Yatun Romdonah Awaliah, M.Pd., explained that the conference facilitated the presentation of 99 papers covering various academic disciplines and regions. The forum was expected to serve as a platform for exchanging ideas while opening opportunities for collaboration across disciplines, higher education institutions, and geographical regions.
Meanwhile, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon expressed his appreciation for the conference, which brought together academics from various universities. He underscored the importance of universities in connecting cultural knowledge with education, research, and efforts to address societal challenges.
Through INCOLWIS VIII 2026, UPI hopes to generate new ideas and academic networks that can be translated into tangible initiatives, including collaborative research, the development of teaching materials, academic exchanges, and partnerships with local communities to support the advancement of regional languages, cultures, and local wisdom. (RK)