EduAsiaNews, Jakarta — The Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (FT UPNVJ) is equipping 470 freshmen from the 2026 cohort with the skills and mindset needed to navigate technological transformation and the evolving industrial landscape toward 2030 through its 2026 Faculty-level New Student Campus Life Orientation Program (PKKMB). Held on August 12–13, 2026, the first day took place at Graha Aminullah Ibrahim, Marinir Cilandak, South Jakarta, on Wednesday (Aug. 12), followed by the second day at UPNVJ’s Limo Campus in Depok on Thursday (Aug. 13). From the outset, students were encouraged to go beyond theoretical knowledge by developing competencies, experience, professional networks, practical work, and integrity as foundations for their future careers.
The 470 freshmen are enrolled across five undergraduate programs: 131 students in Mechanical Engineering, 136 in Industrial Engineering, 68 in Naval Engineering, 118 in Electrical Engineering, and 17 in Logistics Engineering.
The 2026 FT UPNVJ PKKMB carries the theme “Menapak Bumi, Menatap Langit, Mengambil Peran untuk Masa Depan” (Keeping Our Feet on the Ground, Reaching for the Sky, and Taking Part in Shaping the Future). Based on the program’s Term of Reference, the PKKMB serves as an initial platform for students to understand academic life, the learning environment, organizational culture, and engineering values rooted in the spirit of National Defense (Bela Negara). The program is also designed to foster students who are adaptable, critical thinkers, collaborative, ethical, and prepared for future academic and professional challenges.
Dean of FT UPNVJ Dr. Eng. Ir. Teguh Firmansyah, S.T., M.T., IPM. emphasized that the new students are not merely beginning a journey toward earning a degree but are preparing themselves for major changes in the engineering profession.
“Students of the Faculty of Engineering at UPN ‘Veteran’ Jakarta are not simply beginning their journey toward a bachelor’s degree. They are preparing themselves for a world that will be very different by the time they graduate. That is why, from their first semester, we encourage them not only to study theory but also to build competencies, experience, networks, work, and integrity,” Teguh said.
He noted that members of the 2026 cohort are expected to enter the professional world around 2030, when artificial intelligence, automation, green engineering, connected industries, digitalization, and global competition are likely to become increasingly influential. This environment will require future engineers to remain adaptable and committed to continuous learning as technology evolves.
“We want graduates of the Faculty of Engineering at UPNVJ to become engineers who are not merely capable of using technology but can also control and utilize it responsibly. This includes the use of artificial intelligence. The principle is that AI should serve as a co-pilot, not an autopilot. Technology may assist the process, but responsibility for the outcome remains with humans,” he said.
Teguh encouraged students to make the most of their eight semesters progressively—from adapting to academic life and exploring new experiences to building competencies and professional networks, gaining industry exposure, and demonstrating their capabilities through projects, publications, and portfolios before entering the workforce.
“Don’t become students who simply attend classes and then go home. Make the campus your laboratory for personal development. Join organizations and competitions, take part in projects, find mentors, and build networks with industry and alumni. You don’t have to do everything at once, but choose something, pursue it seriously, and document the results,” he said.
On the first day at Graha Aminullah Ibrahim, students received briefings from the FT UPNVJ leadership and external speakers. One of the sessions featured Suhud Alynudin, S.IP., M.Sc., Chair of the Jakarta Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD), who delivered a presentation entitled “Menapak Bumi, Menatap Langit: Peran Mahasiswa Teknik sebagai Pemimpin Masa Depan Indonesia” (Keeping Our Feet on the Ground, Reaching for the Sky: The Role of Engineering Students as Future Leaders of Indonesia). The session focused on leadership with integrity, social awareness, collaboration, and the role of engineering students in national development.
The second day at UPNVJ’s Limo Campus introduced students more closely to the academic ecosystem of the Faculty of Engineering. The agenda included introductions to student associations, presentations by study programs and industry practitioners, occupational safety and health (K3) training, guidance activities, and student project presentations. These activities provided students with an overview of both their academic pathways and opportunities to develop competencies beyond the classroom.
In addition to academic and technological capabilities, the Dean reminded students to safeguard three important assets throughout their university years: time, energy, and reputation. The habits they develop on campus, he said, will ultimately shape their character and professionalism when they enter the workforce.
“Eight semesters are not simply a journey toward graduation. They are an opportunity to build who we will become when we graduate. So, start now: study seriously, create meaningful work, gain experience, and maintain your integrity,” Teguh said.
The FT UPNVJ PKKMB forms part of the university’s broader student development efforts, placing academic competence, National Defense character, integrity, and adaptability at the heart of the educational process. In line with the leadership direction of UPNVJ Rector Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, M.A., Comm., students are expected to move beyond academic achievement and grow into graduates capable of navigating technological change while creating tangible benefits through their fields of expertise.
Through early preparation and comprehensive student development, UPNVJ continues to strengthen its commitment to producing future engineers who are competent, responsible, adaptable, and ready to contribute to society and Indonesia’s development.(www.upnvj.ac.id)
