EduAsiaNews, Surabaya – Thunderous applause filled the hall as Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) officially inaugurated 9,416 new students enrolled in its Undergraduate, Applied Undergraduate, and Diploma programs for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Airlangga Convention Center (ACC), MERR-C Campus, on Thursday (July 30, 2026), marking the beginning of the academic journey for UNAIR’s newest generation of Airlangga Knights.
During the ceremony, UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, S.E., M.Si., M.Fin. congratulated the incoming students on becoming part of the UNAIR community and encouraged them to make the most of their university years by continuously learning and developing their potential.
“Before me stand future academics, entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators who will one day contribute to the advancement of knowledge and society,” he said.
HEBAT as a Guiding Principle
Prof. Madyan emphasized that UNAIR is committed not only to producing high-achieving graduates but also to nurturing individuals with integrity and a strong sense of social responsibility. Therefore, the entire academic community embraces “Excellence with Morality” as the guiding principle for academic life and civic engagement.
This philosophy is reflected in the HEBAT values: Humble, Honest, and Helpful; Excellent; Brave; Agile; and Transcendent. According to him, every student should embody these values through honesty, courage in facing challenges, adaptability, and a commitment to making a positive impact on others.
“HEBAT is not merely an acronym or a slogan. It is a way of life for the entire Universitas Airlangga community. I hope you will not only remember these values but also put them into practice,” he stressed.
Pursuing Meaningful Excellence
Prof. Madyan also encouraged the new students to contribute to UNAIR’s long-standing tradition of excellence and global recognition. He noted that UNAIR is currently ranked third among Indonesian universities and 276th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
According to him, these achievements are the result of consistent effort, collaboration, and the unwavering commitment of the university community to excellence across all areas.
“Rankings are not the ultimate goal; they are one of the indicators that reflect Universitas Airlangga’s quality and contribution,” he remarked.
He further urged students to take full advantage of the wide range of opportunities available throughout their studies, including student organizations, competitions, exchange programs, and community service initiatives. He emphasized that university life should not focus solely on academic success but also on developing the ability to create meaningful solutions for society.
“Let us build a brighter future with the spirit of HEBAT and the foundation of Excellence with Morality, so that we may produce a generation that brings lasting benefits to our nation and humanity,” he concluded.
