Students Urged to Be Bold in Innovation and Uphold Integrity in the Global Era

Mercu Buana University (UMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering student innovation to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global landscape driven by advances in technology, data, and creativity. The message formed the central point of the opening address for the even semester of the 2025–2026 academic year, delivered in a hybrid format from Studio Mercu TV at Meruya Campus on Saturday, 7 March. ‘The world you are entering moves very fast, shaped by technology, data, and creativity. Universities cannot simply observe change; we must be actively involved in it and be part of the solution,’ said Prof. Dr. Ir. Andi Adriansyah, M.Eng., Rector of UMB, addressing new undergraduate, professional, and master’s students. Experimentation and Intellectual Maturity Prof. Andi stressed the importance of student courage to explore new ideas. He said that failures in testing an idea are an integral part of the academic journey that shapes intellectual maturity. ‘Students must have space to try, test ideas, and even experience failure as part of the learning process. From those experiences, intellectual maturity is formed.’ To support this innovation ecosystem, UMB continuously adjusts curricula and upgrades laboratory and studio facilities. The university also continues to expand research spaces and strengthen strategic collaborations with industry. Maintaining Integrity and Harmony Beyond innovation, integrity remains a pillar of university life at UMB. The Rector reminded that academic grades reflect a learning process that is honest and responsible, not merely numbers on a transcript. ‘Integrity is not merely a slogan painted on walls but must live in the practice of learning and creating every day.’ As an inclusive educational environment, UMB also fosters a culture of harmony amid diverse student backgrounds. Differences in views are channelled into healthy dialogue to shape mature character. To ensure safety and comfort on campus, UMB has established a Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education. This unit includes a reporting mechanism that guarantees the confidentiality of whistleblowers. These consistent efforts to maintain academic quality have contributed to Mercu Buana University’s standing as one of Indonesia’s leading private universities, particularly in Jakarta, according to global rankings such as QS World University Rankings, Webometrics, and Times Higher Education.