EduAsiaNews, Jakarta — The participation of Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta in the Indonesia International Education & Training Expo 2026 (IIETE 2026), held at Jakarta International Convention Center from 12–15 February 2026, not only attracted hundreds of visitors but also reshaped public perceptions of UPNVJ’s academic programs. What has changed? Who has experienced the impact? How did the UPNVJ booth offer a new perspective on industry-oriented higher education?
From the very first day, the UPNVJ booth was crowded with high school students and their equivalents, parents, and teachers eager to learn more about the university’s study programs and graduates’ career prospects. Comprehensive information on curricula, internship opportunities, and industry collaborations emerged as key highlights for visitors.
Amanda Yulyanti, one of the attendees, admitted that she had previously associated UPNVJ primarily with military-related fields due to its Bela Negara (State Defense) identity. However, after receiving direct explanations from the booth representatives, her perception shifted. “Initially, I thought UPNVJ focused on state defense, which I associated with the military. It turns out the study programs are general in nature and highly relevant to today’s needs,” she remarked.
A similar view was expressed by Siti Soleha, who highlighted the introduction of new study programs aligned with the interests of the younger generation. She expressed particular interest in the Undergraduate Program in Film, Television, and Media Studies, which offers career opportunities in the creative and digital media industries. According to her, the presence of this program demonstrates UPNVJ’s responsiveness to developments in the national creative industry.
Beyond the diversity of academic offerings, the project-based learning approach also drew attention. M. Rifqi observed that UPNVJ students are prepared to enter the workforce through structured internship programs, partnerships with industry stakeholders, and a project-based learning model. He also appreciated the laboratory facilities and practical training infrastructure, particularly in health-related programs such as Physiotherapy, which he considered well-equipped and supportive of graduate competencies.
Meanwhile, Citra Dinda emphasized the career prospects of graduates from the Communication Science program, noting its broad opportunities in media, public relations, creative agencies, and the digital industry. “After the explanation at the booth, I realized that the career prospects are extensive and highly relevant to current media developments,” she stated.
Interest in technology-related fields was also expressed by Aditya Rafi, who was drawn to the Information Science program. He noted that competencies in big data and information analysis are increasingly essential in the era of digital transformation, offering career opportunities across various industry sectors.
UPNVJ’s participation in IIETE 2026 underscores the university’s commitment to delivering higher education that adapts to the evolving demands of the times. While the Bela Negara identity remains a foundational value, it is implemented through a non-military approach emphasizing character, integrity, and tangible contributions to society.
On various occasions, the Rector of UPNVJ, Anter Venus, has reaffirmed that strengthening industry-oriented study programs forms a core component of UPNVJ’s academic transformation strategy. According to him, universities must be capable of addressing global challenges without losing their identity as a State Defense Campus. Through the development of contemporary study programs, strengthened industry collaboration, and practice-based learning, UPNVJ continues to solidify its position as a relevant, competitive, and future-oriented public university. Its presence at IIETE 2026 was not merely promotional, but rather a platform for dialogue—broadening public understanding of the new face of UPNVJ: a campus that integrates character, competence, and industry connectivity.(www.upnvj.ac.id)
