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A continuous effort to develop Batik Ulu, as a cultural heritage of Bengkulu through a comprehensive study is carried out by the Expert Team of the Priority Research Downstreaming Program – Technology Acceleration. This assessment examines technology readiness, market potential, regulatory compliance, financial feasibility, and business model formulation to advance future commercialization prospects for Batik Ulu. The activity involves interdisciplinary researchers from various universities, each contributing expertise relevant to the program.

One of the key contributors, Prof. Dr. Rahmawati, M.Si., Ak., plays an essential role, particularly in the areas of finance, investment, and risk management. Her expertise is crucial in analyzing production cost structures, estimating investment requirements, projecting financial feasibility, and identifying risk mitigation strategies for batik MSMEs. Her extensive experience in MSME financial analysis and her portfolio of intellectual property works related to batik further strengthens the methodological rigor and recommendations produced by the team.

Other than Prof. Rahmawati, the expert team includes Dr. Siti Nurlaela, M.Si., Ak., CA. (Chair), with expertise in business models and the batik market; Dr. Ismiyanto, SH., MH., with expertise in legal and regulatory aspects, including intellectual property; Ratna Endah Santosa, S.Sn., M.Sn., specializing in batik design and textile arts; and Prof. Endang Dwi Amperawati, M.M., specializing in marketing and product commercialization.

Within this assessment, Prof. Rahmawati contributes primarily to the financial feasibility analysis and cost structure formulation for the development of new Batik Ulu technology; financial risk assessment related to the use of new dyeing and heating technologies, including the application of natural dyes derived from powdered bovine bone; and the reinforcement of MSME financial management, particularly through training on accounting digitalization and the preparation of sales dashboards. She also engages in evaluating both limited and extensive field trials to ensure cost efficiency and the potential for improved margins for artisans.

The team’s activities also include focus group discussions, problem mapping, technology development for production processes, training on intellectual property and trademarks, and the formulation of new motifs. All activities are conducted together with the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Bengkulu Municipality and Batik Ulu MSMEs to ensure that the proposed solutions can be applied directly in practice.

This assessment is expected to produce an innovative and financially viable downstreaming model for Batik Ulu that enhances the competitiveness of MSMEs, with analytical contributions from Prof. Rahmawati ensuring that each recommendation is supported by sound and sustainable financial considerations.

The activity supports SDG 8 (Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Sustainable Production) through MSME capacity development, technological innovation, and cultural preservation.

Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), receives a benchmarking visit from the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Cenderawasih (UNCEN) Jayapura. The entourage was welcomed directly by the Dean of FEB UNS, Prof. Bhimo Rizky Samudro, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., along with the faculty leadership and staff. This occasion was conducted in Meeting Room I, Soeharno TS Building, on 6 November 2025.

Started with an overview of FEB UNS’s academic programs, followed by an open discussion facilitated by the faculty leadership, the session aims to develop collaboration in academic development, student affairs, and faculty governance.

In his remarks, Prof. Bhimo highlights the importance of institutional collaboration. He stated that each faculty has distinctive research strengths that can complement one another. “We are very open to discussion and collaboration. Without collaboration, progress will be difficult to achieve. Academic partnerships are essential, especially considering the many unique research topics in the eastern region that we do not encounter here,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Dr. Agustinus Numberi, S.E., M.M., Vice Dean I of FEB Universitas Cenderawasih, states that their visit was intended to learn about academic practices, student affairs, and financial services at FEB UNS.

“We are currently developing an integrity zone, and therefore we want to learn how UNS implements a one-stop service and effective administrative management. In addition, we see many opportunities for research collaboration, particularly in studies related to culture and human resource development,” he explained.

He further explains that FEB UNCEN consists of three departments with eight study programs offered at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. All programs currently hold an “Excellent” accreditation status, and several are preparing for further accreditation processes.

The discussion proceeded constructively leading to opportunities for broader cooperation between the two faculties in education, research, and institutional capacity development. This meeting also contributes to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to quality education and partnerships for development.

Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), continues to demonstrate its contribution to public policy research through its collaboration with the Central Java Regional Research and Innovation Agency (Brida). This partnership produced an in-depth analysis of the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program, a strategic initiative designed to enhance community nutrition, support education, reduce household economic burdens, and promote the utilization of local food resources.

The research team from FEB UNS was led by Prof. Dr. Izza Mafruhah, S.E., M.Si., together with Dewi Ismoyowati, S.E., M.Ec.Dev., Dr. Nurul Istiqomah, S.E., M.Si., and several students. The study examined three selected regions—Demak Municipality, Wonosobo Municipality, and Pekalongan City—using a comprehensive academic approach to observe how the MBG Program operates in practice, particularly in relation to the availability of local food resources and the dynamics of fulfilling the nutritional needs of targeted beneficiaries.

The findings indicate that the participation of local producers in supplying food for the MBG Program remains limited, requiring strengthened distribution efficiency and improved collaboration between local governments, food providers, and other stakeholders. The study also highlights the significance of developing supporting infrastructure, capacity-building for stakeholders, management of organic and inorganic waste, as well as nutrition and health education aligned with directives from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).

The research illustrates the ongoing progress of MBG implementation in Central Java. As of October 2025, a total of 1,596 Food and Nutrition Provision Units (SPPG) have been established, representing 49.4 percent of all districts and cities. These data provide an essential foundation for local governments to refine implementation strategies, particularly in strengthening regional independence in providing nutritious food.

Through its involvement in this research initiative, FEB UNS reaffirms its active role as a strategic partner for government institutions in formulating evidence-based policies. This contribution also aligns with FEB UNS’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to ending hunger, improving health and well-being, and fostering partnerships for development.

Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), welcomed four academics from leading Malaysian universities as part of its effort to strengthen research collaboration and broaden international academic engagement on Friday, 31 October 2025. The visiting scholars are Prof. Law Siong Hook (School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia), Prof. Mohamad Fazli Sabri (Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia), Dr. Fakarudin Bin Kamarudin (School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia), and Dr. Nazratul Aina binti Mohd Anwar (Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia).

The delegation was welcomed by the Dean of FEB UNS, Prof. Bhimo Rizky Samudro, alongside with the Vice Dean for Non-Academic Affairs, Sutaryo, Ph.D., Head of the Center for Fintech and Banking, Putra Pamungkas, Ph.D., Arum Setyowati, Ph.D., and Linggar Ikhsan Nugroho, M.Ec.Dev.

Speaking to feb.uns.ac.id, Prof. Bhimo stated that FEB UNS has maintained long-standing academic network with some of the visiting scholars through joint research, student advisory activities, and academic exchange among faculty members. “We have a numerous collaborations with several colleagues from Malaysia for a considerable period, particularly through the Center for Fintech and Banking UNS. Some of them are acting as external supervisors for FEB UNS master’s and doctoral students. This meeting serves to consolidate existing networks and formalize ongoing cooperation,” he explained.

He further noted that Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is accredited by AACSB in the field of business. UPM was the first institution in Malaysia to receive the accreditation for its Faculty of Economics and Management (now School of Economics and Business), marking an important momentum for FEB UNS, which is currently preparing its Eligibility Application as an initial step toward the accreditation.

In the AACSB preparation process, FEB UNS requires international partners who can provide feedback, informal advisory support, and document review. The presence of UPM scholars, who have frequently engaged with FEB UNS, creates opportunities for such support. “They have visited FEB UNS multiple times and have been involved in numerous joint researches with our faculty. Informally, we receive valuable input for the preparation of AACSB documents, including the review of processes,” Prof. Bhimo added.

Aside from the formal meeting, the Malaysian academics delivered public lectures and workshops that received strong interest from students and faculty members. Intensive discussions took place, particularly in master’s and doctoral classes, where research methodology became the main point of exchange.

“Students were highly engaged, resulting in constructive discussions that open new avenues for collaborative research. Our colleagues from Malaysia also seek opportunities for joint publications, and Indonesia provides a highly collaborative environment,” he said.

In the coming weeks, FEB UNS will continue its preparation for AACSB documentation. The team aims to finalize the required documents by mid-November, followed by an internal review process before resubmission in April. Furthermore, research collaborations that have previously been conducted through personal networks will begin to be formalized within the institutional database to ensure that all academic partnerships are well-documented and contribute to accreditation processes and faculty development.

This engagement reaffirms FEB UNS’s commitment to expanding its international research network, enhancing academic quality, and advancing cross-country collaboration. The initiative also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Quality Education (SDG 4) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).