Several prominent figures attended the talk show. The attendees included the Vice Mayor of Surakarta, Astrid Widayani, S.S., S.E., MBA. Chairman of MTI, Tory Damantoro, S.T., M.Sc., MPPM, was also present. MTI Secretary-General, Dr. Ir. Haris Muhammadun, ATD, MM, IPU, participated in the event.

MTI Central Java Regional Chair, Bagus Hario Setiadji, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., also attended. He is a Transportation Infrastructure Expert from Universitas Diponegoro. Additionally, UNS Lecturer and Researcher, Ir. Budi Yulianto, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., was present.

This talk show marked the beginning of a series of events leading up to the 16th EASTS Conference 2025. The organizers themed the conference “Harnessing Local Wisdom and Green Technology to Build a Sustainable Transport Sector in East Asia.” They scheduled it for September 1–4, 2025. Nineteen countries will participate in the event, which will take place in Surakarta. UNS will serve as one of the main venues. This marks the second time Indonesia has hosted the biennial conference, following the 8th EASTS Conference in Surabaya in 2009.

Surakarta City Government’s Support

Vice Mayor Astrid Widayani expressed her excitement about Surakarta being selected as the host for this prestigious international event. She emphasized the city’s commitment to ensuring the success of the conference. She also highlighted Solo’s dedication to showcasing its rich cultural heritage to the world.

“As part of the government, we are fully committed to supporting extraordinary events like the 16th EASTS Conference 2025. We also strive to ensure their success. This is just the first pre-event, and there will be more leading up to September. Since this is an international conference, we will provide full support. I am particularly proud to see collaborations with academics and experts. They will contribute not only insights but also practical solutions for improving public transportation in Surakarta,” she stated.

UNS Ready to Collaborate

Ir. Budi Yulianto highlighted the significance of this opportunity for UNS and Surakarta.

“Surakarta has a complex yet well-integrated transportation system. As one of Indonesia’s top universities, UNS can use this moment to innovate, collaborate, and work with various stakeholders. This includes not only theoretical transportation development but also practical implementation,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Tory Damantoro acknowledged the Surakarta City Government’s efforts in improving transportation. He pointed to innovations such as contra-flow traffic and the integration of railway lines with public roads. These advancements will be showcased to attendees of the 16th EASTS Conference 2025.

Dr. Haris Muhammadun further emphasized Solo’s role as a hub of transportation innovation.

“Solo’s tagline, ‘The Spirit of Java,’ reflects its drive for innovation, including in transportation. The arrival of delegates from East Asia is expected to strengthen Solo’s residents’ determination to advance the transportation sector. It will also inspire Indonesians in general to support this progress,” he said.

With diverse transportation options—from traditional to modern—Solo serves as a benchmark for urban mobility development. The city’s well-equipped infrastructure makes it an ideal location for transportation innovation. Additionally, the conference will create opportunities for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their crafts. It will also highlight their cultural heritage and culinary specialties. This will further elevate Solo’s recognition on the international stage.

Why Solo Was Chosen

Conference chairman Bagus Hario Setiadji explained the rationale behind selecting Solo as the host city. He also emphasized how the conference will contribute to transportation advancements in Surakarta.

“Indonesia is hosting the EASTS Conference for the second time, following the 2009 event in Surabaya. The organizers chose Solo because of its rapid transportation development, making it a fascinating case study. The city has introduced some unique innovations that are not yet found in other cities. Moreover, the conference will welcome experts from developed countries such as Japan and South Korea. By bringing together top transportation specialists, we hope to drive significant improvements in Solo’s transportation sector,” he concluded.

The government expects the 16th EASTS Conference 2025 to become a milestone in Southeast Asia’s transportation sector. This achievement will be possible with strong support from government institutions, academia, and industry leaders.

Government institutions, academia, and industry leaders are providing strong support to make the 16th EASTS Conference 2025 a milestone in Southeast Asia’s transportation sector.

The event will highlight Solo’s position as a forward-thinking city, reinforcing its role in sustainable and innovative urban mobility.

Humas UNS

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The tree planting was conducted after Gibran Rakabuming Raka led the International Volunteer Day Ceremony in front of the dr. Prakosa Rectorate Building UNS.

The ceremony was participated by a group of SAR volunteers and TNI/Polri personnel in Surakarta.

In the tree planting ceremony, Gibran Rakabuming Raka was accompanied by the Vice-Mayor of Surakarta Teguh Prakosa, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Affairs UNS, Prof. Kuncoro Diharjo, and Tawang as the representative from Eka Tjipta Foundation (ETF).

“Hopefully, this tree could add to the green impression. Moreover, the green area is one of disaster mitigation efforts performed in Surakarta,” Gibran Rakabuming Raka stated.

In the official release received by uns.ac.id, the Chairman of Eka Tjipta Foundation, Hong Tjhin, explained that the tree seeds planted in UNS Reservoir are a starting step of more than 1,000 tree seeds planting in the city.

The tree seed provided is also supported by the green area and protection of Surakarta. The trees planted on this occasion are Bougainville, mahogany, and many other kinds of plants.

“There are more than 1,000 tree seeds provided. Planting is the simplest effort but effective in maintaining the city’s green spaces, taking care of the environment, and fighting climate change. Almost all people can be involved in performing (tree planting),” Hong Tjhin stated.

The tree-planting ceremony is expected to provide continuous benefits for the surrounding community.

“All parties participated in taking care of the trees. Almost all people could be involved. It will be good if the volunteerism can be translated into tree planting and caring activities.” Humas UNS

Reporter: Y.C.A. Sanjaya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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Olivia – her nickname – is a representative from Jebres Subdistrict. In her 20 years of age, she collected her courage to participate in the competition, an event she has longed for a long time. To the board of juries, the fifth-semester student shared her wish to encourage the young generation to preserve the Javanese culture.

“I want to have a real contribution to the development of arts, culture, and tourism in Solo,” she said.

In an interview with the uns.ac.id team, Olivia said that her willingness was inspired by the Solo slogan, Solo the Spirit of Java. She thinks the slogan means that Solo is the center for Javanese tourism, and awareness to preserve the nation’s wealth is vital.

“If we, who live in Solo, do not understand Javanese culture, how it develops, how it survives amid the changing times,” Olivia stated.

In achieving the title, Olivia needed to compete with 114 other participants in Putra and Putri categories. She won over 90 participants through written tests and interviews that consisted of public speaking tests and interests and talents. In the final round, the finalists were required to participate in the briefing before participating in the Grand Final that was attended by the Mayor of Surakarta, Gibran Rakabuming.

During the briefing, Olivia was highly interested in the series of training. She felt lucky to have the opportunity to learn Javanese culture in-depth, leaving a deep impression for her, especially when she learned about Javanese culture she did not know before. “About tourism as well. So, it is easier to learn,” she shared.

As a prize for believing in God’s help, Olivia was elected as Putri Solo 2021 and received rewards directly from Gibran and his wife, Selvi Ananda Putri. Olivia said that she was surprised with the result and that she was despondent in the mid of the briefing and wanted to drop out of the program. “Thank God, (I) had the strength and got elected as Putri Solo 2021,” she added. Olivia stated that she is ready to make a real contribution in introducing Solo culture and tourism and hoped that her involvement could encourage the youth to learn and care for their culture because the young generation is the spearhead for cultural conservation. “To care and have a sense of belonging towards the culture in Solo, especially Javanese culture, because if not us, who else will (conserve the culture)?”

Olivia also wants to get involved in the promotion of the tourism sector because the opportunity is something she must be thankful for, and that she needs to work harder in solving challenges she has in the future. She also reminded that people need to work on their dream, but God will decide the results. “We do our best; the rest is God’s works,” she concluded. Humas UNS

Reporter: Alinda Hardiantoro
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post FMIPA UNS Student Elected as Putri Solo 2021 appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

APSI Chapter Solo is a means for educational operators in Solo regions including Solo, Sukoharjo, Karanganyar, Sragen, Boyolali, Wonogiri, and Klaten, with several educational operators, such as Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, especially Faculty of Arts and Design (FSRD) and Faculty of Teacher Training and Education  (FKIP) that offered Fine Arts and Fine Arts Education Programs. Other universities incorporated in APSI Chapter Solo are Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI) Surakarta, Akademi Seni Desain Indonesia, Sekolah Menengah Pertama (SMP), Senior High School (SMA), and Senior High School for Vocational Education (SMK) with performance arts and fine arts program.

Through APSI Chapter Solo, the educational operators are committed to revitalizing art and culture through the development of creation and study methods to achieve Solo as a cultural art park. This objective is in line with the historical power of Solo. “Historically, sociologically, and anthropologically, we couldn’t deny that Solo has art and cultural power that could become our pride at regional, national, and international sectors,” Prof. Slamet Subiantoro stated.

The Central APSI provides strong support for Solo Chapter. Susilo Pradoko explained that Central APSI fully supports the activities implemented by APSI Chapter Solo. Similar support was also shared by the APSI Board of Supervisor, Prof. Dr. Tri Hartiti Retnowati, who invited all APSI managers in Solo Chapter to participate in the study on arts education, including fine arts, dance arts, music, and theater.

“APSI Solo becomes a bridge for arts education planned by the central committee to be implemented well at the regional level,” Prof. Tri Hartiti stated.

Prof. Tri Hartiti also hoped that APSI Chapter Solo could contribute to the central and local governments, as supported by Prof. Slamet Subiantoro as the Chairman of APSI Chapter Solo  2021 – 2024. Prof. Slamet Subiantoro mentioned that APSI in Solo is not just a means for silaturahim of all educators, lovers, and art education fighters but also as a representative place for expressing educative arts in all branches of art.

“To improve the nation’s achievements through art activities both through the process as products. Our major objective as a means to unify the nation, (as) our social capital to unify our nation,” Prof. Slamet Subiantoro concluded. Humas UNS

Reporter: Alinda Hardiantoro
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post Officially Inaugurated, APSI Manager for Solo Chapter 2021 – 2024 Ready to Contribute appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

During the humble and warm lunch break, Prof. Jamal thanked fellow journalists for their service and positive reports on UNS. The Rector also mentioned that journalists are ‘fellow’ that always accompany UNS in every situation.

“I observe excellent development from our fellow journalists. The reporting is speedy. I also thanked fellow journalists who have reported UNS news intently,” he stated.

Prof. Jamal also mentioned about media’s role in reporting the achievement of Key Performance Indicator (IKU) for Public University (PTN) UNS in 2020/2021, which is ranked first at the national level.

Through the Copy of Decision Letter from the Directorate General of Higher Education and Research and Technology (Dirjen Dikti Ristek) RI No. 135/E/KPT/2021 regarding the Award for IKU PTN Achievement under Dirjen Dikti Ristek in 2020/2021, UNS ranked in the high position (10 percent) with the total achievement point of 80 and growth point of 774.

“The assessment was conducted when UNS was PTN-BLU (and) haven’t entered the PTNBH Group. This year (we) started to enter (IKU assessment for PTNBH). I am grateful for the encouragement and support from the media,” Prof. Jamal added.

The lunch break was attended by not less than 30 journalists from various media in Solo and is a routine schedule of UNS Rector and Public Relations Office and Media UNS to maintain a close relationship with fellow journalists. Humas UNS

Reporter: Y.C.A. Sanjaya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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