UNS – The Rector of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., delivered the university’s annual report. The report highlighted UNS’s achievements and developments for 2024-2025. UNS Rector presented the report during the UNS Academic Senate Open Session, commemorating the university’s 49th Dies Natalis. The event took place at the G.P.H. Haryo Mataram Auditorium, UNS, on Tuesday (11/3/2025).
UNS Strategic Plan: DREAMTEAM
In his report, Prof. Hartono outlined UNS’s Strategic Plan for 2024-2029 as a state university with a legal entity (PTNBH). This plan guides all academic community members in implementing the university’s Tridharma (Three Pillars of Higher Education). This strategy encapsulates the concept of DREAMTEAM, an acronym for Digital, Research, Education, Autonomous, Modern, Together, Equilibrium, Active, and Manpower.
The strategic plan aligns with UNS’s vision. It is “To be a center of excellence in science, technology, and the arts at an international level, grounded in noble national cultural values.” Additionally, Prof. Hartono emphasized the university’s motto, “Mangesthi Luhur Ambangun Nagara”, which translates to “Advancing human society, preserving noble values.”
UNS Achievements in 2024
Throughout 2024, UNS recorded significant performance improvements based on key indicators. Notably, the university achieved an AA rating with a score of 90,5 in the Performance Accountability Evaluation. In December 2024, the Higher Education, Science, and Technology Awards (Diktisaintek) recognized UNS with eight awards. Additionally, UNS ranked fourth among 21 PTNBH institutions in the 2023 Key Performance Indicators (IKU) achievement awards presented in 2024.
“UNS exceeded the gold standard in seven out of eight IKU indicators. The university achieved a total score of 71,82 out of 80,” Prof. Hartono stated.
UNS Advances in Global Rankings
UNS also made significant progress in international rankings. In the QS Asia Rankings 2025, the university climbed 80 places, moving from 301-350 to 221 in Asia. That is its highest position to date. According to Applied-HE, UNS secured the top spot in Indonesia and ranked fourth in Southeast Asia. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (WUR) by Subject 2025, UNS was recognized for its academic excellence. The university was featured in nine out of 11 disciplines. Particularly in Law, UNS ranked 201-250 globally, making it the top Indonesian university in this category.
Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
UNS maintains its commitment to sustainable development. UNS demonstrates this commitment through its strong standings in THE Impact Rankings, QS Sustainability Rankings, and UI GreenMetrics. The university actively conducts research in tropical herbal medicine and biomedical engineering. Key innovations include turmeric-based beverages, lemongrass and kaffir lime essential oils, and herbal chocolate. In biomedical engineering, UNS has developed Bonne filler, respiratory humidifier, and electrocardiograph pocket devices. The university has also introduced SDG-based technologies. These include IoT-based energy monitoring tools, water filters, low-carbon building blocks, and concrete maturity test devices.
Student Achievements and Institutional Collaborations
In 2024, UNS students earned numerous national and international accolades. Highlights include a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Then there are multiple medals at the 21st National Sports Week (PON XXI) in Aceh-North Sumatra. UNS also secured first place at the 18th National Student Choir Festival (Pesparawi Mahasiswa Nasional XVIII). Students also triumphed in competitions. They are the ATU-NET Sustainability Challenge 2024, GYIS 2024 in Singapore and Malaysia, and the 2024 Energy-Efficient Car Contest.
Between 2024 and early 2025, UNS signed 73 memorandums of understanding and 494 cooperation agreements with domestic and international institutions. Key partners include the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag), National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN), and Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan). Other partners are the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), Bank Indonesia (BI), Financial Services Authority (OJK), and SKK Migas.
Hosting International Conferences and Strengthening Food Security
UNS also hosted several international conferences, including the Applied-HE UNS Xchange in February 2025, attended by participants from over 15 countries. In 2025, the university will host the 16th International Conference of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies (EASTS). It also includes the International Finance and Banking Society (IFABS) Conference 2025.
Furthermore, UNS contributes to national food security through investigative surveys and agricultural land optimization. This initiative supports the government’s Asta Cita program by providing recommendations on soil analysis, irrigation, and land management.
UNS’s Future Outlook
The UNS Academic Senate Open Session served as a reflection on past achievements and a vision for the future. Closing his report, Prof. Hartono emphasized UNS’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and societal contributions.
“We must adapt and transform to tackle global challenges. This will ensure that UNS remains an outstanding and impactful university,” he concluded.
Humas UNS
