EduAsiaNews, Jember — The warm year-end atmosphere at the Muhammadiyah University of Malang suddenly turned electric when the name Universitas Jember (UNEJ) was announced as First Place Winner for the Most Comprehensive University Support at the 2025 Abdidaya Ormawa Awards. The recognition further solidifies UNEJ’s position as one of the most progressive universities in advancing student-driven initiatives at the national level.
The pinnacle event of the Student Organization Capacity Strengthening Program (PPK Ormawa), organized by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, was held on December 4–7. From hundreds of competing proposals, programs, and community empowerment initiatives, UNEJ went home with five awards—two of them securing the Top 1 title.
UNEJ’s Awards at Abdidaya Ormawa 2025:
Most Comprehensive University Support – 1st Place
Most Innovative Student Organization – 1st Place, Student Executive Board (BEM), Faculty of Computer Science
Most Participative Partner – 2nd Place, HMP IPA ASE FKIP / Village Head of Kalianyar
Most Collaborative Student Organization – 4th Place, BEM Faculty of Nursing
Highest Community Participation – 4th Place, HMP IPA ASE FKIP
These consecutive achievements are no coincidence. In recent years, UNEJ has been known for its proactive approach in strengthening community empowerment ecosystems rooted in student initiatives. Financial support, facility provision, and intensive faculty mentorship have helped student organizations move with clearer direction and greater impact.
UNEJ Rector Iwan Taruna described the victory as “the result of consistency, not a surprise.”
“This is a national championship among universities. We are, of course, proud of this remarkable achievement. I hope the spirit and strategies behind this success will be passed down to younger students so the continuity of excellence can be maintained,” he said.
A similar sentiment was expressed by Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni, Fendi Setyawan, who sees the achievement as a sign of growing confidence among UNEJ students in taking on social issues.
“Winning two first-place titles proves that our students are not only strong in conceptual and academic aspects but are also able to deliver real impact through cross-sector collaboration,” he stated.
Fendi hopes that this accomplishment will enhance UNEJ’s public reputation while opening wider opportunities for its students and alumni as they compete in the professional world.
Amid increasingly intense competition among higher education institutions, UNEJ’s triumph at Abdidaya 2025 stands as a clear signal that innovation, collaboration, and tangible community impact remain essential foundations for universities seeking to stay relevant—not just on paper, but within society itself. (*)
