Editor: Julaiha Probo

Bukittinggi, Indonesia, 3 August 2026 – Budi Luhur University has strengthened its cross-regional higher education network through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universitas Fort De Kock in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra. The partnership is designed to expand the impact of education, research, community engagement, and student development through collaborative programmes that deliver tangible benefits to society.

The partnership represents a strategic step in connecting higher education institutions across different regions of Indonesia. Budi Luhur University serves as a focal point representing LLDikti Region III, while Universitas Fort De Kock serves as a focal point representing LLDikti Region X in a collaborative initiative that has already been implemented through the 2026 West Sumatra Thematic Community Service Programme (KKNT).

The implementation of the 2026 West Sumatra KKNT demonstrates that the partnership extends beyond the signing of an institutional agreement. It has already been translated into a meaningful programme that brings students closer to communities and enables universities to contribute directly to local development.

Through the programme, students gain opportunities to learn beyond the classroom by engaging directly with local communities, identifying real-world needs, and developing essential competencies in communication, leadership, collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving.

Cross-university collaboration also exposes students to different academic, social, and cultural environments. Such experiences are increasingly important in preparing graduates to work across disciplines, institutions, regions, and diverse professional settings.

For local communities, collaboration between higher education institutions can strengthen access to academic knowledge, expertise, and innovation. The combined capabilities of universities can be translated into community-based initiatives that are more responsive to local needs and more relevant to the social and economic characteristics of each region.

The partnership between Budi Luhur University and Universitas Fort De Kock also creates opportunities for broader collaboration in the future, including joint research, community engagement programmes, academic activities, knowledge and best-practice exchange, as well as initiatives aimed at strengthening the competencies of students and academic staff.

Such collaboration is increasingly important as universities are expected not only to produce highly qualified graduates, but also to contribute meaningfully to addressing societal challenges and supporting regional development.

Budi Luhur University views collaboration as an important mechanism for extending the impact of higher education. By connecting institutional expertise, resources, experience, and networks, universities can develop programmes that are more relevant, sustainable, and capable of reaching wider communities.

The MoU signed on 3 August 2026 provides a foundation for sustained cooperation between Budi Luhur University and Universitas Fort De Kock beyond the implementation of the 2026 West Sumatra KKNT. Both institutions are expected to continue developing collaborative initiatives that generate benefits for students, academics, local communities, and regional development.

Through its “Local Roots, Global Impact” vision, Budi Luhur University continues to expand strategic partnerships with institutions across Indonesia and beyond, advancing higher education that goes beyond academic achievement to create meaningful and sustainable impact for society.

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The involvement gives students valuable exposure to a professional audiovisual production environment, allowing them to experience first-hand how an industry production operates beyond classroom-based learning.

Throughout the filming process, students gained direct insight into talent direction, on-set coordination, camera production, teamwork, time management, and the professional standards required in the media and entertainment industry.

This practical experience is particularly relevant for students preparing to enter increasingly competitive communication and creative sectors. By participating directly in a professional production, students can develop not only technical understanding but also essential workplace competencies, including communication, adaptability, discipline, collaboration, and professional confidence.

The production of “Double Tap” at Budi Luhur University also demonstrates the evolving role of universities as more than academic institutions. Campuses can serve as collaborative spaces where education, creative talent, and industry meet.

For FKDK students, participating as ensemble actors and extras provides an opportunity to understand the collaborative nature of audiovisual production. A successful screen production involves multiple professional roles working together, giving students a broader perspective on career opportunities across film, television, digital media, and the wider creative economy.

Through collaborations with professional productions such as “Double Tap,” Budi Luhur University seeks to provide students with greater industry exposure while they are still studying, enabling them to build practical experience, professional networks, and stronger career readiness before graduation.

The initiative reflects Budi Luhur University’s commitment to creating learning opportunities that remain relevant to developments in communication, media, film, and the creative industries.

By bringing professional industry activities into the university environment and creating opportunities for students to participate directly, Budi Luhur University continues to position the campus as a space where education, creativity, and industry collaboration come together to prepare future creative professionals.

The post Budi Luhur University Hosts “Double Tap” Production, Giving FKDK Students Direct Industry Experience first appeared on Budi Luhur University (BLU).

Jakarta, Indonesia – Digital transformation does not have to come at the expense of local culture. Instead, digital technology can provide communities with new opportunities to document, preserve, and share their cultural heritage with future generations.

This perspective is at the heart of a study by three academics from Budi Luhur University, whose research has been published in the Q1 international journal Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, published by Elsevier.

The article, entitled “Grassroots Hyperlocal Media for Digital Literacy and Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Global South,” was authored by Rocky Prasetyo Jati, Fatma Misky, and Julaiha Probo Anggraini. It became available online on July 15, 2026, as Article Number 100831, with DOI: 10.1016/j.joitmc.2026.100831.

The study is particularly relevant to countries such as Indonesia, where rapid digitalisation takes place alongside extraordinary cultural diversity. Rather than viewing hyperlocal media merely as channels for distributing information, the research positions them as community-based platforms capable of connecting digital technology, public participation, digital literacy, and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.

Through this approach, grassroots communities can take a more active role in shaping their own narratives in the digital environment.

Hyperlocal media can provide communities with accessible platforms to document local knowledge, traditions, cultural practices, and collective memories. At the same time, such platforms can help strengthen people’s ability to create and distribute digital content while expanding the visibility of cultural narratives beyond their immediate communities.

This becomes increasingly important as digital platforms continue to influence how information, identities, and cultural expressions are produced and consumed.

For Indonesia, strengthening grassroots digital capabilities can therefore contribute to more than technological inclusion. It can also support cultural sustainability by empowering communities to become producers of digital knowledge rather than merely consumers of information.

The research also broadens the understanding of digital literacy. Digital literacy is not limited to the technical ability to operate devices or access online platforms. It also involves the capacity to use technology critically, creatively, and productively to advance education, community empowerment, social participation, and cultural preservation.

By connecting these dimensions, the study demonstrates how digital innovation can generate meaningful social value at the community level.

The publication also contributes to international academic discussions on open innovation, digital transformation, community-based media, digital literacy, and intangible cultural heritage, particularly from the perspective of the Global South.

Research originating from local communities can provide important insights into global challenges, especially regarding how technological transformation can remain inclusive and culturally responsive.

For Budi Luhur University, the achievement goes beyond international academic recognition. It reflects the university’s commitment to advancing research that generates tangible benefits for society and contributes to solving real-world challenges.

The findings may provide useful perspectives for universities, policymakers, cultural institutions, local governments, community organisations, and media practitioners seeking to develop digital literacy initiatives and technology-based cultural preservation programmes.

The study further demonstrates the strategic role universities can play in connecting academic knowledge, technological innovation, and community needs.

By empowering grassroots communities to use digital media more effectively, local stories, knowledge, and cultural heritage can gain greater visibility while maintaining strong connections to their origins.

The publication also shows that research grounded in Indonesia’s local realities can make a meaningful contribution to international scholarly conversations.

In an increasingly connected world, technological progress and cultural preservation do not have to move in opposite directions. When technology is developed and applied with community participation at its core, digital transformation can become an important instrument for ensuring that local knowledge and cultural heritage remain relevant, visible, and sustainable for future generations.

Publication Details

Article Title: Grassroots Hyperlocal Media for Digital Literacy and Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Global South
Authors: Rocky Prasetyo Jati, Fatma Misky, Julaiha Probo Anggraini
Journal: Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd.
Available Online: July 15, 2026
Article Number: 100831
DOI: 10.1016/j.joitmc.2026.100831

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Jakarta, August 9, 2026 – Budi Luhur University (Universitas Budi Luhur) has secured 22nd place nationally in the 2026 Indonesian University Ranking by uniRank, placing the university among the leading institutions in digital visibility out of 611 Indonesian higher education institutions included in this year’s ranking.

In the national ranking, Budi Luhur University is positioned at No. 22, following Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta at No. 21 and ahead of Universitas Negeri Malang at No. 23. The achievement reflects Budi Luhur University’s growing digital presence and its commitment to remaining accessible and relevant amid the ongoing transformation of Indonesia’s higher education landscape.

The recognition carries strategic significance as digital platforms have become one of the primary gateways through which students, prospective students, partners, and the wider public engage with universities. A university website is no longer merely an institutional showcase; it serves as a key information hub for education, research, innovation, community engagement, student achievements, and potential collaborations.

For students and prospective students, a stronger digital ecosystem provides easier access to academic information, educational opportunities, and university activities. For academics and researchers, greater digital visibility helps expand the reach of scholarly work, expertise, and innovation. Meanwhile, for government institutions, industries, media organizations, and institutional partners, a strong digital presence creates wider opportunities to identify expertise, establish partnerships, and develop collaborative initiatives.

Budi Luhur University views its 22nd-place ranking as more than institutional recognition. It also reinforces the importance of maintaining public communication that is transparent, informative, accessible, and responsive to the changing ways people seek information.

The university continues to strengthen its digital communication ecosystem to ensure that knowledge, research findings, innovation, student achievements, and community-based initiatives can reach wider audiences and deliver meaningful benefits beyond the campus.

Unlike global rankings that primarily evaluate academic performance, uniRank is a non-academic, web-based university ranking system. Its ranking methodology is designed to assess the web presence and digital popularity of higher education institutions using data obtained from independent web intelligence sources rather than information directly submitted by universities.

Under its current methodology, uniRank evaluates universities using four main indicators: Majestic Referring Domains at 55 percent, Similarweb Global Rank at 35 percent, Moz Domain Authority at 5 percent, and Majestic Trust Flow at 5 percent. These indicators provide insights into factors such as website connectivity, estimated online traffic, domain authority, and the quality of links directing users to university websites.

Therefore, Budi Luhur University’s position at No. 22 nationally represents an important indicator of its digital reach, connectivity, authority, and visibility within Indonesia’s higher education ecosystem. It also highlights the importance of consistently providing credible, relevant, and accessible digital information as public behavior increasingly shifts toward online platforms.

Budi Luhur University considers digital transformation an integral part of its mission to broaden the impact of higher education. A stronger digital presence is expected to connect more people with educational opportunities, research, innovation, academic expertise, and community initiatives developed by the university.

Guided by its spirit of “Local Roots, Global Impact,” Budi Luhur University will continue to strengthen its educational and digital communication ecosystem while carrying the values of **Cerdas Berbudi Luhur—intelligence guided by noble character—**to wider communities.

The university regards this ranking not as an end goal, but as further momentum to improve public access to information, strengthen institutional trust, expand national and international collaboration, and ensure that its educational contributions generate greater impact for society.

By achieving the 22nd national position in the uniRank 2026 ranking, Budi Luhur University reaffirms its commitment to embracing technological advancement while building a higher education environment that is increasingly accessible, connected, collaborative, and impactful.

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The initiative is being implemented under the 2026 BIMA Community-Based Empowerment Programme, with the aim of transforming waste management from a basic environmental activity into a more productive system capable of generating social and economic value for local communities. 

Kampung Tematik Darling has been actively developing community initiatives through its waste bank, Women Farmers Group (Kelompok Wanita Tani or KWT), and local micro, small and medium enterprises. However, the waste bank continues to face administrative challenges, as customer records, waste-weighing transactions and financial reporting are still largely managed manually. 

To address these challenges, a Budi Luhur University team led by Sri Rahayu is developing a web- and mobile-based Waste Bank Management Information System.

The system is designed to streamline customer data management, waste transactions, waste savings accounts, administrative records and financial reporting, making operations more efficient, accurate and transparent. The programme also strengthens the capacity of local waste bank administrators so that they can manage and operate the digital system independently. 

The digital transformation is expected to improve the overall governance of Darling Waste Bank while enabling administrators to monitor transactions and community waste savings more effectively.

Beyond administrative improvements, the programme also addresses the underutilisation of organic waste. Budi Luhur University has introduced appropriate technologies, including composting equipment and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) maggot cultivation facilities, to support more productive and environmentally responsible organic waste processing. 

Through this approach, organic waste can be used as feed for BSF larvae and processed into compost and organic fertiliser. These products can then support urban farming activities managed by the Darling Women Farmers Group, allowing household waste to be returned to the community as a productive resource rather than ending its lifecycle as discarded material.

The integration of the waste bank and the Women Farmers Group is expected to strengthen a community-level circular economy. Waste is not merely collected and disposed of, but processed and reintegrated into productive activities with environmental, social and economic value. 

The programme is expected to strengthen waste bank management, improve digital literacy and technological skills among community members, and create opportunities for the development of community enterprises based on circular economy principles.

In the longer term, Kampung Tematik Darling is expected to become a replicable model of community-based waste management that combines digital innovation, appropriate technology and community empowerment. The approach could provide a reference for other communities facing similar waste-management challenges. 

The initiative also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 13 on Climate Action, through improved waste management practices and the adoption of environmentally responsible technologies. 

The programme is supported by funding from Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) through the 2026 BIMA Community-Based Empowerment Programme. The support reinforces the role of higher education institutions in translating knowledge, research and technological innovation into practical solutions that deliver measurable benefits to communities.

The post Budi Luhur University Digitalises Community Waste Bank to Advance Circular Economy in Tangerang first appeared on Budi Luhur University (BLU).

AGAM, WEST SUMATRA, Indonesia — Around 20 universities have joined forces through the 2026 Thematic Community Service Programme (KKN Tematik) to support community development in Agam Regency, West Sumatra, with initiatives focusing on education, public health, agricultural innovation and the development of a digitally enabled local economy.

Carrying the theme “Bangkik Basamo, Mambangun Nagari,” the programme involves more than 200 students and supporting personnel working directly with communities in Nagari Salareh Aia and Nagari Salareh Aia Timur, Palembayan District.

The programme is a collaboration between the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDIKTI) Region III and LLDIKTI Region X, bringing together academic expertise, local government and communities to develop solutions based on local needs and potential. 

Unlike conventional community service activities that may focus primarily on short-term programmes, the 2026 initiative places local communities at the centre of the development process.

Students work alongside residents to identify challenges, explore local potential and develop practical solutions that can continue to be implemented after the programme ends. This approach positions community members not merely as beneficiaries, but as active partners in sustainable local development. 

In the education sector, students contribute to strengthening literacy, improving the quality of learning and supporting character development among younger generations.

Public health initiatives focus on raising awareness of healthy lifestyles and preventive healthcare, while programmes in agriculture and the local economy include agricultural innovation, community group assistance and the use of digital technology to strengthen local economic competitiveness. 

The programme is expected to provide communities with more than temporary assistance. Through access to knowledge, mentoring and innovation from higher education institutions, residents are expected to gain skills and practical systems that can be further developed independently after the students complete their period of service.

For students, the programme also provides an opportunity to connect academic knowledge with real social conditions. Direct interaction with communities helps them strengthen communication skills, interdisciplinary collaboration and their ability to develop solutions based on actual community needs. 

Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd., emphasised that collaboration among universities is essential in addressing increasingly complex national and community challenges.

“Universities must realise that national challenges cannot be solved by working independently. Collaboration is necessary to combine different strengths and create greater solutions for society,” Fauzan said.

He stressed that the success of higher education should not be measured solely by academic achievements, research or scientific publications, but also by the ability of universities to create tangible benefits for society. 

Budi Luhur University has been entrusted as the focal point for the implementation of the 2026 Thematic Community Service Programme in Agam Regency.

The university has previously served as a focal point for Thematic Community Service Programmes on more than three occasions. Its role in Agam strengthens cross-university collaboration while supporting the implementation of programmes that are aligned with community needs and expected to generate meaningful outcomes. 

Rector of Budi Luhur University, Prof. Dr. Agus Setyo Budi, M.Sc., said community service must go beyond completing academic programmes and should demonstrate how knowledge can improve people’s lives.

“Community service is not simply about implementing programmes. Students must be able to create real benefits, build positive relationships with communities and demonstrate that knowledge should contribute meaningfully to people’s lives,” Agus said.

He added that students are also expected to uphold the values of intelligence, noble character and social responsibility while engaging directly with communities. 

The 2026 Thematic Community Service Programme is being implemented in Palembayan District from 31 July to 13 August 2026, with its official opening held at the Agam Regent’s Office on 4 August 2026. 

Beyond the formal launch, however, the programme’s primary focus is the collaboration taking place directly within communities. Academic knowledge, technology and innovation are being applied to issues that residents face in their everyday lives, while local knowledge and community participation remain central to the development of each initiative.

The programme also reflects the spirit of Diktisaintek Berdampak, which encourages Indonesian higher education institutions to ensure that education, research, innovation and community service generate tangible benefits beyond university campuses. 

The community-based approaches developed in Agam are expected to provide lessons that can inspire similar initiatives in other regions, demonstrating how universities can become strategic partners for governments and communities in addressing development challenges.

Aligned with Budi Luhur University’s vision, “Go Global: Local Roots, Global Impact,” the university believes that meaningful global contribution begins with the ability to create positive change at the local level.

Through the 2026 Thematic Community Service Programme, academic expertise, local knowledge and cross-sector collaboration are being brought together to create broader and more sustainable benefits for communities and Indonesia’s development.

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Editor: Julaiha Probo

JAKARTA, August 1, 2026 – Budi Luhur University is encouraging its academic community to produce research that goes beyond fulfilling academic requirements or achieving publication targets, with a stronger emphasis on novelty, scholarly contribution, and tangible benefits for society.

This commitment comes amid growing expectations for universities to produce research that responds to advances in science and technology while addressing real-world challenges. The ability to identify a meaningful research gap has therefore become essential to ensuring that academic research offers new insights rather than merely replicating previous studies.

Through its Faculty of Information Technology (FTI), Budi Luhur University strengthened this capacity through a public lecture titled “From Research Gaps to Scientific Impact: Strategies for Designing Meaningful Research, Generating Contributions, and Publishing in International Journals,” held in Jakarta on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

The session featured Achmad Nizar Hidayanto, Professor at the Faculty of Computer Science, Universitas Indonesia, who shared insights into developing high-quality research and strengthening its potential for international publication.

One of the key messages highlighted was the importance of understanding where a study stands within the existing body of knowledge. Identifying a research gap should begin with a comprehensive understanding of previous studies and the current state of the art in a particular field.

“A research gap begins with a comprehensive understanding of the state of the art,” Hidayanto said, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly examining existing scholarship before determining the direction of a new study.

Such an understanding enables researchers to identify unanswered questions, areas that require further exploration, and potential contributions that can advance knowledge within their respective disciplines.

The ability to identify a strong research gap is also closely linked to publication quality. Publishing in an international journal requires more than translating a manuscript into English or selecting a reputable journal. A strong study must demonstrate the relevance of the problem, clear novelty, appropriate methodology, and a meaningful theoretical or practical contribution.

For this reason, a strong publication strategy should begin at the research design stage. Researchers need to engage with up-to-date literature, formulate precise research questions, adopt appropriate methodologies, and clearly articulate why their findings matter to the wider academic community.

For students, these competencies provide direct benefits by strengthening critical, analytical, and systematic thinking. Rather than viewing research merely as a requirement for completing their studies, students are encouraged to examine real-world problems, understand existing knowledge, identify unanswered questions, and propose evidence-based solutions.

For lecturers and researchers, stronger research capabilities can create opportunities for wider academic collaboration, higher-quality publications, and greater participation by Indonesian scholars in international academic discourse.

Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology at Budi Luhur University Achmad Solichin said strengthening research quality forms an important part of the Faculty’s academic ecosystem. Research is expected not only to meet academic performance indicators but also to remain relevant to technological developments and the challenges faced by society.

This approach is particularly important in information technology, where rapid developments in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, information systems, and digital transformation continuously create new research questions and societal challenges.

By strengthening researchers’ ability to move from identifying meaningful research gaps to producing high-quality publications, Budi Luhur University aims to ensure that academic research can go further—transforming scholarly work into knowledge that contributes to solutions, innovation, and meaningful impact for society.

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