EduAsiaNews, Jakarta – Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) has once again achieved national recognition, placing fourth in the public service category for state universities at the 2026 Mandaya Awards. Organized by Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment, the awards recognize higher education institutions for their contributions to community empowerment programs that deliver meaningful impact. The award was received in person by Dr. Sri Lestari Wahyuningroem, M.A., head of UPNVJ’s Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
This achievement reflects the contributions of UPNVJ’s academic community in developing community service programs tailored to local needs. One initiative recognized for its contribution was carried out by a team from UPNVJ’s Faculty of Health Sciences (FIKES), led by Dr. Ibnu Malkan Bakhrul Ilmi, S.Gz., M.Si., in collaboration with the Depok City Government.
LPPM head Sri Lestari Wahyuningroem expressed her gratitude for the achievement and appreciation for the support of university leaders and lecturers actively engaged in community service.
“Alhamdulillah, UPNVJ placed fourth in the community service category for state universities at the Mandaya Awards. Thank you to the university leadership and everyone involved in UPNVJ’s community service initiatives. In particular, congratulations to Mr. Ibnu from FIKES UPNVJ and his team, who played a leading role in the collaborative project with the Depok City Government,” Sri Lestari said.
She noted that the achievement was the result of collective efforts, demonstrating the importance of synergy among universities, local governments, and communities in implementing empowerment programs.
The Mandaya Awards is a national recognition program organized by the Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment to honor institutions, organizations, communities, and individuals that contribute to strengthening community self-reliance through empowerment initiatives.
In the higher education category, the assessment considers not only the implementation of community service activities but also innovation, community participation, program benefits, stakeholder collaboration, and the sustainability of the resulting impact.
UPNVJ’s fourth-place finish provides fresh momentum for strengthening the university’s Tridharma obligations—education, research, and community service—with particular emphasis on community engagement. Through LPPM, the university continues to encourage lecturers and students to develop programs that go beyond ceremonial activities and deliver solutions to challenges faced by communities.
Collaboration with the Depok City Government also highlights the role of universities as strategic partners for local governments. Academic involvement is expected to strengthen evidence-based approaches to addressing development challenges and improving community welfare.
The achievement at the 2026 Mandaya Awards also aligns with UPNVJ’s development priorities under Rector Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, M.A., Comm., who places the practical application of knowledge, collaboration, and social contribution at the center of efforts to strengthen the university’s institutional role.
The award serves as an incentive for UPNVJ to expand strategic partnerships, improve the quality of its community service programs, and ensure that research findings and academic innovations deliver tangible and sustainable benefits to society.
