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)