The opening ceremony was officially led by Dr. Drs. I Nyoman Subanda, M.Si, Vice Rector for Partnership and Entrepreneurship at Undiknas. The event was also attended by representatives from Bank BPD Bali as sponsors, government officials, the organizing committee, and all participating teams who will compete in this year’s tournament.

In his opening remarks, Dr. I Nyoman Subanda emphasized that the Bank BPD Bali Undiknas Rector Cup is not just a sports competition, but also a platform for fostering and developing young talents in basketball. This event is expected to produce potential young athletes who can achieve success at higher levels.

“This competition is a great opportunity for young athletes to showcase their skills,” said Dr. I Nyoman Subanda.

Undiknas also announced scholarship opportunities for talented players, including the champions of the competition, to continue their studies at Universitas Pendidikan Nasional through an achievement pathway in sports, particularly basketball.

The Bank BPD Bali Undiknas Rector Cup 2025 will run for one week, from March 9 to March 15, 2025, featuring various youth basketball teams from high schools and vocational schools (SMA/SMK) across Bali.

What set this tug-of-war apart was its unique concept emphasizing gender equality, requiring each team to consist of three men and two women. This format reflects the spirit of inclusivity and balance in teamwork, aligning with Undiknas’ vision of supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in gender equality and social inclusion.

The competition took place in front of Building A at Universitas Pendidikan Nasional, right after the Undiknas Fun Run 2025. Each team competed with their best strategies and coordination to secure victory.

After an intense and enthusiastic battle, three teams emerged as the winners:
1st Place: Yayasan Perdiknas Team
2nd Place: HERO Unit (Human Resources and Finance) Undiknas Team
3rd Place: Faculty of Law (FH) Undiknas Team

The competition was filled with excitement, with cheers of support echoing from the entire academic community. Each team demonstrated outstanding teamwork, proving that the key to tug-of-war success lies not only in physical strength but also in synergy and cooperation. This competition was more than just a contest—it became a symbol of teamwork, sportsmanship, and unity within both academic and professional environments. By incorporating gender equality into the team structure, the event serves as an inspiration that balanced collaboration between men and women can create incredible strength in various aspects of life.

The 56th BUDINATA Undiknas continues to present activities that are not only lively but also hold educational and social values. The spirit of togetherness and solidarity fostered in this competition is expected to extend into all aspects of academic life at Undiknas, from the workplace to building a more inclusive future.

In his address, Undiknas Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Nyoman Sri Subawa, S.T., S.Sos., M.M., IPM., ASEAN Eng., emphasized that universities must continuously adapt to change, especially in facing digital transformation and globalization in education. By adopting the Techno-Researchpreneur University concept, Undiknas prepares its graduates to become innovative, creative, and adaptive individuals ready to take on the challenges of the Society 5.0 era.

“Undiknas is prepared to respond to changes in national and global education policies through the integration of technology, research, and entrepreneurship in the learning system. We are committed to continuously improving the quality of education to align with industry and workforce needs.”
– Prof. Dr. Ir. Nyoman Sri Subawa

Among the 1,019 graduates and engineers, the highest GPAs were achieved by the following students:

• Management Program – Kadek Samantha Mah, S.M., GPA 3.99
• Accounting Program – Angelina Meiyane Iwo, S.Ak., GPA 4.00
• Law Program – Putu Nikita Fiorella Utama Putri, S.H., GPA 3.98
• Public Administration Program – L.G. Hita Sakura Ratna Kumala, S.A.P., GPA 3.98
• Communication Studies Program – Faradita Putri Aura Maharani, S.I.Kom., GPA 3.99
• Civil Engineering Program – Ach. Firdaus Eric Putra, S.T., GPA 3.34
• Electrical Engineering Program – I Gede Sanjaya Perdana Putra, S.T., GPA 3.92
• Information Technology Program – Putri Prema Paramitha, S.Kom., GPA 3.97
• Master of Management Program – Ir. I Made Dirgayasa, S.T., M.M., GPA 4.00
• Master of Public Administration Program – Ida Bagus Ketut Wibiastika, S.E., M.A.P., GPA 4.00
• Master of Law Program – I Gusti Ngurah Dwi Puspanegara, S.H., M.H., GPA 4.00

During this occasion, the Rector also announced Undiknas’ major achievements in 2024, including:

• Receiving “Unggul” (Excellent) Institutional Accreditation from BAN-PT through Decree No. 2131/SK/BAN-PT/Ak/PT/XI/2024, solidifying its position as one of Indonesia’s leading universities.
• Winning four prestigious awards at the 2024 Diktisaintek Awards, including:
  • Gold Winner – Best Social Media Management among private universities in Indonesia
  • Gold Winner – Most Popular Public Relations Figure among private universities in Indonesia
  • Silver Winner – Best Strengthening of Collaboration with Government Institutions
  • Silver Winner – Best Strengthening of Collaboration with Business and Industry (DUDI)

Additionally, Undiknas received 11 awards from LLDikti Region VIII, including:

• Top Private University with Excellent Accreditation
• Best International Collaboration
• Most Popular Public Relations Figure

To support globally competitive education, Undiknas continues to expand its international partnerships, collaborating with institutions in Europe, America, Australia, and Asia. Programs such as Australia’s New Colombo Plan and Bali Beyond Borders demonstrate Undiknas’ growing international recognition.

Furthermore, in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024, Undiknas:

• Ranked 1501+ worldwide
• Ranked 44th nationally
• The only university in Bali included in this prestigious ranking

As part of its strategic development, Undiknas is currently preparing to launch a Doctoral Program in Law with a specialization in Cyber Law, marking a significant step in strengthening academic and research expertise in digital law. Additionally, the number of professors and PhD holders at Undiknas continues to grow, reflecting the university’s commitment to enhancing human resource quality.

“We believe that innovation, collaboration, and adaptation are the keys to maintaining Undiknas as an outstanding university. With a progressive spirit, we are ready to face future challenges and continue achieving excellence.”
– Prof. Dr. Ir. Nyoman Sri Subawa

As part of Undiknas’ expansion in various scientific fields, including health sciences, the management transfer/merger of Sekolah Tinggi Farmasi Mahaganesha (STIFAR Mahaganesha) into Universitas Pendidikan Nasional was officially declared at this 97th Graduation Ceremony. This merger was formalized in Notarial Deed No. 26, dated February 10, 2025, based on the Agreement Meeting Decision between STIFAR Mahaganesha and Universitas Pendidikan Nasional.

This historic occasion also saw the inauguration of Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Juwita Arsawati, S.H., M.Hum., CCD, as the 10th professor at Undiknas, further strengthening the university’s academic excellence.

The graduation ceremony was attended by key figures, including representatives from:

• LLDikti Region VIII
• Chairperson of the Institution of Engineers Indonesia (PII) Bali Chapter
• University partners
• Chairperson and Board Members of Perdiknas (National Education Association)

With its Techno-Researchpreneur University vision, Undiknas continues to advance as a leading center of education, producing graduates who are:

• Highly competent
• Globally competitive
• Well-equipped to tackle future challenges

This 97th Graduation Ceremony marks yet another milestone in Undiknas’ journey of excellence.

The ceremony was officially opened by Dr. Ni Wayan Widhiasthini, S.Sos., M.Si., Vice Rector for Academic Development at Undiknas. This event was a significant milestone for students, as the February graduation period consistently sees the highest number of participants each year.

The graduates were distributed across various study programs as follows:

• 483 graduates from the Management Study Program
• 145 graduates from the Accounting Study Program
• 100 graduates from the Law Study Program
• 26 graduates from the Public Administration Study Program
• 92 graduates from the Communication Studies Program
• 1 graduate from the Civil Engineering Study Program
• 20 graduates from the Electrical Engineering Study Program
• 10 graduates from the Information Technology Study Program
• 85 graduates from the Master of Management Program
• 7 graduates from the Master of Public Administration Program
• 16 graduates from the Master of Law Program

The graduation ceremony was divided into two separate sessions to accommodate all participants.

In her speech, the Vice Rector expressed her pride and joy for this year’s graduates, reaffirming Undiknas’ commitment to continuously providing the best education and services to produce future generations of outstanding professionals.

With the rapid development of the education sector, Universitas Pendidikan Nasional remains dedicated to strengthening its position as the top private university in Bali. This commitment is reflected in its remarkable achievements in the prestigious Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendikti Saintek) Awards, where Undiknas earned:

• Gold Winner in the Best Social Media Management sub-category among private universities (PTS) in Indonesia in the Public Relations Awards
• Gold Winner in the Most Popular Public Relations Figure sub-category among private universities in Indonesia in the Public Relations Awards
• Silver Winner in the Best Strengthening of Cooperation with Government Institutions sub-category among private universities in Indonesia in the Collaboration Awards
• Silver Winner in the Best Strengthening of Cooperation with Business and Industry (DUDI) sub-category among private universities in Indonesia in the Collaboration Awards

Through these achievements, Undiknas reaffirms its dedication to becoming an internationally recognized institution, producing graduates who are not only competitive in the job market but also capable of making meaningful contributions to society and national development.

The first session, titled Southeast Asian Business Practices and Strategy, was led by Made and Ratih Nurmalasari, S.E., M.M., in the Europe Room. In this session, participants explored business practices in Southeast Asia and the strategies used to compete in the global market.

This was followed by a class on The Economy of ASEAN, presented by I Gusti Ngurah Gede Agung Pradipta, S.IP., M.Si. The session covered the economic dynamics of the ASEAN region, including the role of trade, investment, and economic integration among countries in the area.

The next session participants then attended the Introduction to Bahasa class with Putu Intan Permatasari, S.Pd., M.Pd. This class provided fundamental insights into the Indonesian language as a key tool for communication in social and business interactions in Indonesia, equipping international participants with valuable knowledge about the local culture.

To conclude the day’s agenda, participants took part in a field visit to Kumbasari/Pasar Badung. During this visit, they not only observed traditional market activities in Bali but also had the opportunity to apply their newly acquired language skills in direct interactions with local vendors. Additionally, participants worked on group projects related to the Indonesian language as part of an experiential learning activity.

Through various activities in this program, Bali Beyond Borders also contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions on the ASEAN economy and business strategies align closely with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Meanwhile, the Introduction to Bahasa session and direct engagement with local communities support SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by providing international participants with opportunities to understand Indonesian language and culture, fostering inclusivity in learning.

The second day of Bali Beyond Borders provided participants with a profound experience in understanding the world of business, economy, and culture in Indonesia. Through a combination of theory and direct practice, the program continues to strengthen their understanding of Bali’s strategic role in the global economic and cultural landscape. With growing enthusiasm, the program will continue with even more exciting activities in the coming days.

Reflection on 2024 Achievements and Aspirations for 2025

In his opening remarks, the Rector of Undiknas, Prof. Dr. Ir. Nyoman Sri Subawa, S.T., S.Sos., M.M., IPM., ASEAN Eng, expressed gratitude for the extraordinary accomplishments achieved by Undiknas in 2024. He also extended his appreciation to the academic community for their contributions and dedication to the university’s progress.

“This gathering is a moment for all of us not only to reflect on the successes we have achieved but also to design even greater goals for 2025. Let us make Undiknas a place where innovation and collaboration continue to thrive,” he stated.

The year 2024 was marked by numerous achievements for Undiknas, including awards in various academic fields, strategic partnerships, and advancements in education quality. During the event, the Rector also outlined the university’s work plans for 2025, which include strengthening academic programs, expanding international networks, and implementing digitalization in various campus operational aspects.

Promoting Investment Culture with Gold Bars

What made this year’s Year-End Gathering special was the distribution of gold bars as year-end souvenirs to the entire academic community. This initiative reflects the Rector’s vision of fostering an investment culture amidst the dynamic global economic challenges.

“We wanted to provide more than just appreciation. By giving gold bars, we hope this serves as the first step for the academic community to build awareness of the importance of investing for a better future,” added the Rector.

The distribution of gold bars was met with enthusiasm by the participants. One of Undiknas’ faculty members expressed gratitude, saying, “This is a very innovative and beneficial initiative. Hopefully, this investment culture will continue to grow within the Undiknas community.”

Fostering Community and Harmony

The gathering also served as a platform for strengthening the bonds of camaraderie among all members of the academic community. In a warm and spirited atmosphere, the event reflected Undiknas’ commitment to creating a harmonious and supportive work environment.

Commitment to Progress and Innovation

Through the 2024 Year-End Gathering, Universitas Pendidikan Nasional reaffirmed its commitment to progress and innovation. Reflecting on the accomplishments of the past year and strategizing for 2025, Undiknas remains optimistic about its ability to excel as a higher education institution and make a meaningful contribution to society, the nation, and the world.

The symbolic gesture of distributing gold bars as an investment initiative is a tangible demonstration of Undiknas’ concern not only for academic development but also for the welfare and future of its entire academic community.

The two-day program was divided into four systematically designed sessions to deliver an optimal learning experience.

In each session, participants received materials on personality development, including tips on dressing, posture, and building a positive self-image. The sessions were delivered by personality experts who shared practical advice to help students appear confident in various situations.

Participants also gained knowledge about interpersonal communication skills, learning basic techniques such as maintaining eye contact, speaking politely, proper dining etiquette, and manners during formal events. Topics covered included the use of dining utensils, proper seating posture, and table conversation etiquette.

Moreover, participants had the opportunity to directly apply their knowledge during a formal dining simulation. In a relaxed yet professional atmosphere, they demonstrated great enthusiasm in practicing dining etiquette and interacting with fellow participants.

This program reflects Undiknas’s commitment to preparing students as individuals who are both academically and socially competent. Many students expressed their appreciation for the program, with one participant stating:
“This event was both enjoyable and educational. We learned a lot about how to conduct ourselves in formal settings, which will definitely be useful in the future.”

The successful implementation of the Table Manner and Personality Development Program reaffirms Universitas Pendidikan Nasional’s dedication to providing holistic education that emphasizes not only academics but also social and professional skills. Initiatives like this are expected to serve as a foundation for students to become outstanding individuals at both national and international levels.

The workshop was attended by fifth-semester Communication Science students, who are currently studying courses related to media and journalism. By visiting the office of a well-known media outlet, the students gained practical insights into the workflow of a journalistic organization.

During the workshop, students were introduced to various aspects of journalism, including information gathering, conducting interviews, writing news articles, and the process of television broadcasting. They also had the opportunity to directly interact with journalists, editors, and production crews from Jawapost TV, who shared their experiences and the challenges they face in the media industry.

“This activity is very beneficial as we got to witness firsthand how news is produced. It enriches our understanding, which we previously gained only through theoretical learning in class,” said one of the participating students.

In addition, the students toured the Radar Bali editorial office and the Jawapost TV broadcast studio. Here, they observed how media teams work collaboratively to produce informative and high-quality content.

The workshop was designed to provide contextual learning that aligns with the demands of the communication industry.

“By visiting a media office directly, students can observe the entire journalistic process, understand the roles of each individual involved, and develop their analytical and practical skills as future media professionals,” explained the supervising lecturer accompanying the activity.

This activity is part of Undiknas’s effort to integrate academic learning with real-world experience. It aims to better prepare students to face challenges in the workforce, particularly in the communication and media industries.

Through this workshop, Universitas Pendidikan Nasional continues to demonstrate its commitment to producing competent graduates ready to compete in the digital era. Radar Bali – Jawapost TV also welcomed the collaboration, hoping it will serve as a stepping stone toward building strategic relationships between academia and the media industry.

Social Work 2024 aimed to teach the art of Baleganjur music to children under the age of 15 in Banjar Dauh Labak. This program not only served as a means of traditional art education but also contributed to the preservation of Bali’s cultural heritage. The event involved various parties, including the Kelian Adat and Kelian Dinas of Banjar Dauh Labak, the Head of Seka Truna-Truni, the Banjar Arts Department, Banjar Dauh Labak’s percussion instructors, as well as members and trainers from UKM Karawitan Taksu Abhinaya.

The opening ceremony of Social Work 2024 was marked by the symbolic striking of the gong by I Gusti Ngurah Oka Ariwangsa, S.E., M.M., Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni, who also serves as the Head of the Student Organization and Activities Center at Undiknas. Following the opening event, participants were introduced to the children who would receive training in Baleganjur traditional music.

The training began with the reong instrument, which is considered the most challenging part as it carries the melody of the composition. The lessons continued with kendang and ceng-ceng, followed by kajar, kempli, gong, and bende, allowing all instruments to come together and create a complete melody. During these sessions, participants were taught the beginning section of the composition, known as Kawitan.

The training then progressed to the Pengecet section, which is characterized by dynamic variations and serves as the climax of the composition. Children learned how to control tempo and volume to evoke emotions in the performance. The final stage of training focused on the Pekaad, the closing section of the piece. A full rehearsal was conducted in preparation for the final performance at the closing ceremony.

The closing ceremony of Social Work 2024 was once again marked by the symbolic striking of the gong by I Gusti Ngurah Oka Ariwangsa, S.E., M.M.. The culmination of 11 days of training was showcased in a performance by the children of Banjar Dauh Labak, witnessed by the local community, including Kelian Adat, youth representatives, instructors, and members of UKM Karawitan Taksu Abhinaya. This performance symbolized the success of the Social Work 2024 program.

The Social Work 2024 initiative by UKM Karawitan Taksu Abhinaya contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. By providing traditional music education to the younger generation, this initiative supports inclusive education and the preservation of local culture as an integral part of Bali’s identity. By offering free access to artistic education, the program helps children develop an appreciation for their cultural heritage while simultaneously strengthening the sustainability of traditional arts communities in Bali.