SDG 2025

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Padjadjaran continues to strengthen its global engagement in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through academic collaboration and international partnerships. From May 18 to May 29, 2025, three FIB lecturers—Hilman Fauzia Khoeruman, S.S., M.Phil., Dr. Taufik Ampera, M.Hum., and Rahmat Sopian, Ph.D.—participated in an intensive 10-day program in Japan focused on SDG management and data collaboration. This program was carried out in cooperation with Kitakyushu University and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) International Collaboration Association. The initiative aimed to foster knowledge exchange, research partnerships, and capacity building in monitoring and managing SDGs. During the program, two of the lecturers engaged in a series of discussions, workshops, and study sessions exploring strategies for integrating SDG principles into academic research and teaching at FIB Unpad. Key themes included data collection and measurement for SDG indicators, interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability, and strengthening the role of higher education institutions in policy development and community engagement. Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Taufik Ampera shared: “We have learned a great deal about SDG management in the context of academic institutions, which we hope to implement in our own faculty. This knowledge will help us strengthen the role of FIB Unpad in contributing to sustainable development through education, research, and community service.” Meanwhile, Bokhtar Bokozoda, one of the international collaborators, highlighted the broader significance of the program. “This activity is an opening for other collaborative initiatives that hold great potential. Together, we can further develop academic progress while paying close attention to the aspects of the SDGs. It is a promising start for future cooperation between our institutions.” The collaboration highlights FIB Unpad’s growing role in international academic networks for SDGs, emphasizing the importance of data-driven approaches to sustainable development. By participating in global initiatives, FIB Unpad aims to contribute to evidence-based policy recommendations, support community development, and prepare students to become active contributors to sustainability goals. This 10-day engagement with Kitakyushu University and JICA Japan marks a significant step for FIB Unpad in aligning its academic mission with international efforts toward the achievement of the SDGs, further demonstrating the faculty’s commitment to global partnership and interdisciplinary innovation.

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Padjadjaran actively participated in a cross-sectoral dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a forum designed to bring together representatives from academia, government institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The event highlighted the importance of collaborative action in addressing global sustainability challenges while also reinforcing the role of universities in driving SDG-related initiatives. The dialogue took place at the SDGs Center Kitakyushu, Japan, on May 23, 2025, and became one of the key activities in the ongoing partnership between FIB Unpad, Kitakyushu University, and JICA Japan. In this dialogue, Hilman Fauzia Khoeruman, S.S., M.Phil., a lecturer at FIB Unpad, delivered a presentation on SDG-related academic data at FIB Unpad. His presentation underlined how academic contributions, particularly in research, curriculum development, and community engagement, are directly connected to improving Universitas Padjadjaran’s performance in the QS World University Rankings (WUR) Sustainability. “The integration of SDGs into our academic practices not only benefits local communities and strengthens our role in policy development, but also contributes to enhancing Unpad’s global visibility,” Hilman emphasized during his talk. “By systematically documenting and presenting data on SDG engagement, we can ensure that Unpad’s efforts are recognized internationally, particularly in the QS WUR Sustainability metrics.” Adding to this, Prof. Miyake from Kitakyushu University highlighted the fundamental role of higher education in achieving sustainable development: “Academics and research are the very foundation for advancing every single SDG. Without knowledge production and critical inquiry, policy and practice will not be sustainable in the long run.” The forum itself was part of a series of SDG training programs organized through a collaboration scheme between FIB Unpad, Kitakyushu University, and JICA Japan. This joint effort focuses on equipping participants with the skills, knowledge, and collaborative networks necessary to implement sustainability initiatives both at the local and global levels. The dialogue also served as a platform for discussing strategies such as: Government representatives and NGO partners welcomed the academic perspective presented by FIB Unpad, recognizing that evidence-based research and academic collaboration are essential to designing effective policies and interventions. The event reflects FIB Unpad’s ongoing mission to link education, research, and community service with global sustainability frameworks. By actively engaging in cross-sectoral dialogues and international collaborations, the faculty seeks to position itself not only as a contributor to local community welfare but also as an important stakeholder in elevating Universitas Padjadjaran’s global sustainability profile.

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Padjadjaran has taken an active role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through direct involvement in community-based initiatives. One of its current flagship programs is the Lecturer Community Service Program (PKM Dosen) titled: “Pengembangan Sentra Kopi di Desa Nagarawangi Rancakalong Kabupaten Sumedang: Peningkatan Literasi, Diversifikasi Produk, Kesadaran Jenama, dan Dokumentasi Budaya,”led by Dr. Rasus Budhyono, M.Hum. This initiative emphasizes FIB Unpad’s commitment to contributing not only to academic excellence but also to the economic empowerment and social welfare of local communities. By collaborating with coffee farmers and local stakeholders, the faculty provides insights and practical strategies that align with national and global agendas for sustainable development. As part of this program, FIB Unpad seeks to strengthen the position of Nagarawangi coffee in the market by focusing on digitalization and product innovation. One tangible outcome of this collaboration is the creation of pakopian.com, a digital platform dedicated to promoting and marketing Nagarawangi coffee. The website is accessible in four languages—Indonesian, English, Russian, and Japanese— making it possible for local coffee products to reach wider global markets. In line with the SDG framework, the involvement of FIB Unpad addresses several key aspects of policy and practice: Local farmer Sulaiman, who has been working in the coffee sector for nearly 20 years, expressed his optimism about the program. “We have cultivated coffee here for generations, but often faced difficulties in marketing and gaining recognition,” he shared. “With the support from FIB Unpad, especially through digitalization, we finally see a chance for Nagarawangi coffee to reach wider markets. This gives us hope for better income and a more secure future for our families.” A representative of the FIB Unpad team also underlined the importance of such collaboration. “Universities must not stand apart from society. By engaging with communities such as Nagarawangi, we create meaningful impact that supports both local livelihoods and global goals. Digital innovation is our main step to ensure that products like Nagarawangi coffee are not only sustainable but also competitive in today’s global market.” This initiative reflects FIB Unpad’s broader mission of linking research, education, and community service to the advancement of the SDGs, particularly in promoting inclusive economic growth, reducing inequalities, and fostering sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Jatinangor, September 9th 2025 — By mid-2025, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Padjadjaran has carried out five flagship programs under Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat (Community Service/PPM) and Kuliah Kerja Nyata (Community Service/KKN), focusing on literacy and the development of culture-based schools.  The first initiative is the “Developing Literacy Culture in the School of Culture” at SDN Citengah. Activities such as reading corners, poetry reading competitions, and reading festivals were held to foster children’s interest in books and nurture their creativity from an early age. The second initiative, also implemented in Citengah Village, is the “Child-Friendly Village Based on Digital Literacy” program. Through surveys, workshops, and cultural documentation, this program introduces digital literacy to children while encouraging them to be critical and responsible in using technology. The third program is “Enriching School Materials through Manuscripts as Cultural Documents and Literacy References,” which explores Sundanese manuscripts and introduces them as additional resources for students, linking academic learning with cultural heritage. The fourth is the “Development of the School of Culture in Citengah Village.” Conducted through collaboration between PPM and KKN, this initiative integrates local cultural values into school activities, giving students contextual learning experiences that also strengthen their cultural identity. Last but not least, the “Developing Digital Literacy Potential to Support the School of Culture” program provides digital skills training—covering information literacy, communication, online safety, and content creation. This equips students and the local community with practical skills to support both learning and cultural preservation. Through these five programs, FIB Unpad continues to contribute to accessible and meaningful education for local communities, while reinforcing its role as a university that benefits society, true to the spirit of Unpad Bermanfaat. By Dilla Maharani Putri

Foreign languages are often viewed as an additional skill. However, in a world that’s becoming increasingly connected with other countries, this skill is an important way to unlock a greater career path. At the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Padjadjaran University, foreign language programs are not only designed to teach grammar, writing, or reading literature, but also to equip students with skills that can be directly applied in the workplace. Students who study foreign languages are guided to understand more than just vocabulary and sentence structure. They are also introduced to the culture, traditions, and ways of thinking of people from other countries. This knowledge trains students to have a more open and adaptive perspective. In the context of the workplace, graduates who are able to communicate across cultures can work in many fields, ranging from tourism and education to international companies. The tourism sector is one of the most obvious examples. Indonesia, as a country rich in culture and tourist destinations, needs many professionals who can interact with foreign tourists. Graduates of foreign language programs have great opportunities to work as tour guides or in the tourism industry. They can help in the communication process, explain the richness of local culture, and provide a more meaningful experience for tourists. For example, a French literature graduate can guide Francophone tourists at tourist attractions in Indonesia, while a Japanese literature graduate can help Japanese tourists understand Indonesian cultural traditions. This shows that language skills can provide real benefits, both for students themselves and for society. However, job opportunities for foreign language graduates are not limited to tourism. Many of them work in the field of education as teachers or lecturers, become professional translators, or work as staff at international institutions. There are also opportunities to work in the creative industry, such as creating digital content or cultural products that reach a global audience. With their language skills, cultural insight, and communication skills, foreign language graduates can choose various career paths that suit their interests and potential. The learning process in foreign language study programs also plays a significant role in building students’ personalities. They are used to thinking critically when analyzing texts, adapting when dealing with different cultures, and communicating in a more structured way. All of these skills are not only useful for exams or college assignments, but also become part of the skills they bring with them when they enter the working world. The foreign language study program at FIB also taught that learning a language means learning about connectivity. Language does not stand alone, but is always related to identity, history, and cultural values. By understanding this, students are trained to be more sensitive to global issues while also appreciating diversity. This attitude is important so that they can contribute in work environments with different cultures. After all, foreign language program graduates have an advantage. They are not only job seekers, but also have the potential to create new opportunities. Some open translation services, some build culture-based businesses, and others collaborate with communities to develop tourism products. It is from these simple things that real contributions to society and economic growth emerge. Not only in the classroom but also in the professional world, foreign languages open up many possibilities. The foreign language study program at FIB Unpad proves that language education does not stop at theory, but also produces graduates who are ready to work, support tourism, strengthen international relations, and enhance the lives of the community.  Red. Aliyah Zahra Saffanah

Thurfah Mahira Ahnaf Students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Padjadjaran have once again shown that what they learn in the classroom can bring real benefits to society. Through the Community Service and Empowerment Program (KKN-PPM) in 2025, they contributed directly to supporting SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Over the course of the year, five flagship initiatives were successfully implemented in partner villages across West Java. In Cikeruh Village, Jatinangor, English Literature and Indonesian Literature students worked to empower the local creative economy by supporting the development of a tourism village. They provided basic foreign language training for tourism actors, conducted promotional writing workshops, and assisted in creating brochures for local branding. This program aligns with SDG 8.3, which encourages job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation through the development of the creative economy. As a result, the village tourism sector became more professionally managed, local products gained wider recognition, and the competitiveness of the creative economy improved. The second program took place in Margamekar Village, where French Literature and Library and Information Science students trained local MSMEs. The activities included creating digital catalogs, branding strategies, and utilizing social media as marketing platforms. This initiative supports SDG 8.5, which aims for full and productive employment and decent work for all, including young people. The impact was clear: local products became more accessible to consumers, MSMEs opened new marketing channels, and business owners experienced increased income. Another story came from Nagarawangi Village, Rancakalong, where Japanese and German Literature students worked with local youth to strengthen the village coffee center. Activities ranged from product packaging and storytelling to practical foreign language and hospitality training. This program supports SDG 8.6, which seeks to reduce the number of young people not in employment, education, or training by equipping them with work-related skills. The outcome included added value for Nagarawangi coffee, greater involvement of village youth in managing the coffee center, and new job opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors. In Daarul Uluum Islamic Boarding School, Jatinangor, Sundanese Literature and Anthropology students implemented a program on sustainable entrepreneurship based on the green economy. Activities included eco-friendly product packaging workshops, organic waste composting, hydroponic farming, and cultural product development. This program contributes to SDG 8.4, which promotes resource efficiency in consumption and production. The impacts were significant: the pesantren gained independent income sources, new jobs were created, and awareness of green economic practices increased among students and the surrounding community. The final program, “Foraging in the Village” in Sindulang, Cimanggung, was carried out by cross-department FIB students. It introduced Sundanese food literacy while boosting local economic potential. Activities included digital promotional content creation, translation of tourism brochures, processing agricultural products into marketable goods, and basic business training. This initiative strongly supports SDG 8.9, which focuses on promoting sustainable tourism that creates jobs and highlights local culture. As a result, Sundanese food traditions were preserved, the community gained new skills in agricultural processing, and new opportunities for cultural-based entrepreneurship emerged. Through these five programs, FIB Unpad students demonstrated that meaningful contributions to society can go hand in hand with global development goals. From empowering tourism villages and strengthening MSMEs to developing coffee centers, pesantren entrepreneurship, and preserving food heritage, these initiatives underline the important role of higher education in fostering inclusive, innovative, and sustainable economic growth.

Thurfah Mahira Ahnaf SDG 8 emphasizes the importance of inclusive and sustainable economic growth alongside the provision of decent work for all. A key element of ensuring decent work is the creation of a workplace free from discrimination based on religion, sexuality, gender, age, or social status. The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Padjadjaran demonstrates its commitment to this principle through the launch of the “Halo Bu Dekan” service in April 2022. This program serves as an official reporting channel not only for students but also for lecturers, staff, and the academic community who wish to report suspected discrimination within the faculty environment. As a dedicated platform, “Halo Bu Dekan” prioritizes the confidentiality of whistleblowers, provides a safe space, and offers consultation and counseling services, ensuring that those who report remain supported throughout the process. By doing so, FIB Unpad creates a healthy and productive atmosphere in which all members of the academic community can work and thrive. This initiative directly contributes to SDG 8.5, which aims to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities, and SDG 8.8, which focuses on protecting labor rights and promoting safe and secure working environments for all workers. Through this program, FIB Unpad reaffirms its commitment to eliminating all forms of workplace discrimination while ensuring equal opportunities for lecturers and staff to grow and advance. With consistent efforts in conducting educational activities, awareness campaigns, and support programs from 2022 to 2025, “Halo Bu Dekan” stands as a tangible contribution of FIB Unpad to the achievement of SDG 8. This service not only improves the quality of working life but also helps create an academic environment that fosters sustainable economic growth through a safe, inclusive, and competitive workforce.

Among the issues of clean water availability, small steps in protecting the environment have a significant impact. One of them is choosing plants that do not consume too much water. At the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Padjadjaran University, this awareness is manifested through the planting of sansiviera, better known as snake plant. The decision to choose sansiviera was not without reason. This plant is known for its high resistance and easy maintenance. Bu Ferli, a lecturer at FIB, explained, “Yesterday, FIB planted mother-in-law’s tongue, or sansevieria in Latin. The advantage of sansevieria is that it does not need to be watered frequently, is easy to care for, and is resistant to hot weather. So, by planting sansevieria, we also save water, because if we choose plants that need to be watered every day, we will not be able to save as much water.” Besides saving water, sansiviera also has other benefits that are no less important. This plant is known as a natural pollutant absorber. “Sansiviera also absorbs pollutants, so it’s good to plant it around the house because it acts as an air purifier,” added Bu Ferli. In other words, sansiviera not only decorates the campus environment, but also helps create cleaner and healthier air. On campus, choosing plants such as sansevieria has a positive impact. Not only does it reduce the amount of water needed to maintain the garden, but sansevieria also improves the quality of green open spaces. In an increasingly hot climate with long dry seasons, choosing water-efficient plants such as this is a practical solution that supports environmental sustainability. This simple step shows that caring for the environment does not have to start with large projects. In fact, from small things such as planting sansevieria, the campus community can learn how to use resources wisely. This low-maintenance plant not only serves as decoration, but also shows that small things such as choosing the right type of plant can contribute to environmental sustainability.

Thurfah Mahira Ahnaf The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Padjadjaran continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting SDG 5 on gender equality through various protection, assistance, and educational programs. One such effort was the launch of the “Halo Bu Dekan” service in April 2022, a dedicated channel for students and academic staff to report suspected cases of discrimination or sexual violence on campus, which directly aligns with SDG targets 5.1 and 5.2. This service emphasizes the confidentiality of reporters’ identities, the provision of safe spaces, and access to consultation and assistance facilities, ensuring that those who report do not feel isolated in the process. As awareness and the number of reports increased, Universitas Padjadjaran strengthened its measures by establishing the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (Satgas PPKS), mandated directly by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. This task force is responsible for following up on reports, conducting investigations, and providing recommendations for case handling. In 2023 and 2024, the Satgas PPKS at Unpad added more personnel to ensure that cases could be addressed more swiftly and comprehensively, as reported by various national media. The task force has also built close collaboration with faculties, including FIB, to strengthen victim support systems. Beyond structural measures, the Satgas PPKS Unpad and FIB have actively conducted public education efforts, such as socializing the reporting service at FIB since 2022 and organizing discussion forums involving students, lecturers, and academic staff to raise awareness. These activities not only provide the academic community with legal and policy knowledge but also instill perspectives on gender justice and the importance of fostering a culture of mutual respect on campus. This represents a strong implementation of SDG target 5.5. This commitment was further reinforced during the 2025 Faculty of Cultural Sciences Student Orientation (PMB), where the Chair of Satgas PPKS Unpad and Head of the English Literature Study Program, Dr. Ari Jogaiswara Adipurwawidjana, M.A., served as the keynote speaker in a special session. On this occasion, Ari emphasized the importance of new students understanding reporting mechanisms and the role of the task force in providing protection. He also reassured students that they should not worry about their identities being disclosed, as confidentiality remains a core principle in handling cases. The session became a key moment in embedding early awareness that the campus is a safe space, free from discrimination and violence. The presence of the “Halo Bu Dekan” program at the faculty level, reinforced by the work of Satgas PPKS Unpad at the university level, proves that FIB and Unpad are committed to building a higher education ecosystem that is safe, inclusive, and gender-just. Through consistent educational and assistance activities from 2022 to 2025, FIB Unpad has directly contributed to the achievement of SDG 5, particularly in ensuring equal access for women and men, eliminating forms of discrimination, and creating a learning environment that supports the realization of quality education.

Thurfah Mahira Ahnaf Universitas Padjadjaran has once again recorded a proud achievement on the international stage. In the QS World University Rankings (WUR) by Subject 2025 released on Thursday (March 6), six academic fields from Unpad successfully entered the global ranking list. One of the newest achievements comes from the field of English Language and Literature, which for the first time made it into the 301–350 band worldwide. This milestone marks an important achievement for the English Studies Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, which has consistently strived to improve the quality of academics, research, and the relevance of its graduates in the workforce. Reaching the 301–350 band represents a significant improvement compared to previous years, placing Unpad’s English Studies Program alongside a number of internationally renowned universities, such as the University of California at Riverside, Florida State University, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, the University of Surrey, and the University of Wollongong. The ranking is determined by several indicators, including academic reputation and graduate employability. For Unpad’s English Studies Program, this result highlights that there is still room to further improve academic reputation, even though the employability and career prospects of its graduates are already strong and diverse. This aligns with the track record of the English Studies Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, which is known as the most sought-after program in the faculty, thus fulfilling the goals of SDG 4.3. The program produces graduates who are absorbed into a wide range of sectors, both in government and the private sector. This is made possible by the interdisciplinary competencies provided to students, including critical reading, discourse analysis, semiotics, cultural studies, and the use of modern technologies. The curriculum is designed to strengthen students’ adaptability to global situations while also nurturing their contributions to society, in line with SDG targets 4.4 and 4.7. The English Studies Program at Unpad is closely aligned with SDG 4 on Quality Education. The curriculum emphasizes the enhancement of literacy, critical, and creative skills, while also providing access to interdisciplinary education relevant to global demands. Unpad’s English Studies Program also plays an important role in producing highly competitive graduates who are not only capable of personal development but are also committed to contributing to society. The inclusion of English Studies Program at Unpad in the global ranking demonstrates that the program is able to compete internationally. Nevertheless, there remains a need to further enhance academic reputation through high-quality research publications and stronger global networking, in order to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable development, particularly in the field of quality education.