EduAsiaNews, Jember – Universitas Jember (UNEJ) officially opened its 2026 Campus Life Orientation Program for New Students (PKKMB) with an inauguration ceremony for new students at the Universitas Jember Stadium on Saturday (August 8).
The event marked the beginning of the new students’ journey to become familiar with the academic environment and prepare for campus life as members of the Universitas Jember academic community.
This year, UNEJ admitted 9,857 new students from 68,642 applicants through various admission pathways. These included 3,327 students through the National Achievement-Based Selection (SNBP), 3,643 through the National Test-Based Selection (SNBT), and 2,314 through the New Student Independent Selection (SEMMABA). In addition, 604 students were admitted to postgraduate programs, while 58 entered through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway. The university also welcomed 11 affirmative-action students and 10 international students, further enriching the diversity of the Universitas Jember community.
The Rector of Universitas Jember symbolically inaugurates new students at the opening of PKKMB 2026.
Rector of Universitas Jember, Dr. Ir. Iwan Taruna, M.Eng., IPM., ASEAN Eng., welcomed the new students and encouraged them to make the most of their opportunity to study at UNEJ—not merely to earn academic degrees, but also to develop critical thinking, character, and a strong commitment to serving society.
“Being a UNEJ student is not simply about entering the classroom. UNEJ should be a place where you develop critical thinking, learn to make decisions, and create benefits for society,” he said.
The Rector emphasized that student life should be accompanied by strong character development, particularly honesty, integrity, discipline, and social responsibility. These values, he said, are essential to producing graduates who possess not only academic competence but also strong character.
As students enter a digital era marked by the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), the Rector reminded them not to surrender their thinking processes to technology.
Universitas Jember new students enthusiastically chant the PKKMB 2026 slogan.
According to him, AI can be used to support various activities, including learning and information gathering. However, its use must always place humans in control of the technology.
“We live in a digital era, and AI is all around us. AI cannot replace humans; we are the ones who must control it. Use technology to strengthen intelligence, not to replace the thinking process,” he said.
The message is particularly relevant as new students prepare to navigate changes in education and the world of work. Critical thinking, sound decision-making, and responsible use of technology are essential skills they need to develop throughout their university years.
Under the theme “Innovative Works, Building an Excellent and Impactful Generation,” PKKMB 2026 serves as a bridge for new students before they begin their academic journey. The program will run for several days, beginning with the inauguration and opening ceremony, followed by sessions on civic and national values, anti-corruption education, student character development, and effective and responsible communication through social media. The program will conclude with an inauguration event.
Universitas Jember new students pose with Jatra, the university’s mascot, during PKKMB 2026.
At the end of his address, the Rector encouraged the new students to use their university years to build relationships, pursue their aspirations, and prepare for the future together with Universitas Jember.
“Build friendships, build your dreams, and build your future. Starting today, make a commitment to becoming proud members of the Universitas Jember community,” he concluded.
The welcoming of the new students marks the beginning of a journey for 9,857 students to develop their potential through education and diverse experiences at Universitas Jember. They are expected to discover and cultivate their strengths while taking an active role in addressing the challenges of the future.
