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A research team from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), implemented a Community Service Program under the “Equity the Impact Rankings 2025” scheme, aimed at enhancing the business capacity and income of communities in Panggungharjo, Sewon, Bantul, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The program was carried out by a team comprising Catur Sugiarto, Rahmawati, Hunik Sri Runing Sawitri, and Ratna Endah Santoso, in collaboration with international collaborator Junaid M. Shaikh from Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Brunei Darussalam.

The program was motivated by a number of challenges faced by the partner small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the production of natural dye-based batik. Prior to the program, production processes were carried out entirely by hand, resulting in limited production capacity and inconsistent dye quality, while the natural dyeing techniques that characterize the products were also prone to reduced colorfastness. In addition, a relatively simple business management system had led to poorly structured task allocation, and digital marketing had yet to be utilized to its full potential, conditions that collectively impacted production efficiency and constrained market expansion.

Through the program, the community service team implemented a series of integrated activities, beginning with socialization and field observation to map the needs of the partner community. This was followed by technical training in ecoprint and exotic batik production, including the optimization of the mordanting process, a chemical process to prepares fibers, using more environmentally friendly materials. The team also provided managerial mentoring covering basic bookkeeping, production planning, and the application of the plan–do–check–act management cycle. On the marketing front, partners were assisted in conducting SWOT analyses, developing promotional materials, and optimizing their use of social media and online marketplaces.

A key component of the program was the handover of appropriate technology assistance in the form of a batik feeder machine and supporting production equipment. This contribution is expected to improve work efficiency, accelerate the production process, and maintain quality consistency without compromising the artistic value of nature-based batik. The partner artisans also succeeded in developing a new product innovation through this program, exotic batik, a hybrid technique combining batik and ecoprint methods utilizing locally sourced natural dyes. This product offers superior colorfastness, greater design variety, and added value as a sustainable regional specialty product.

One of the partner artisans expressed appreciation for the mentoring provided by the UNS team, noting that the dyeing machine contributed significantly to the production process. “Thank you to Prof. Rahmawati and the team from UNS Solo for guiding us over the past several months. We also received a machine to assist with the dyeing process. The color results are finer and the process is more efficient compared to before, when everything was done manually, so the outcomes are far better,” she conveyed.

The community service program is expected to drive improvements in community business capacity while strengthening the development of creative products grounded in local resources. The activity is also consistent with the university’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), through the strengthening of community economic capacity and the development of environmentally responsible products.

Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), hosted a a hybrid discussion to strengthen the quality of eligibility document for AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) international accreditation on Friday, 6 March 2026. The session featured Khairunnisak Latiff, Ph.D., from Universiti Putra Malaysia, as an external examiner invited to provide feedback on documents prepared by the FEB UNS accreditation team.

In his remarks, the Dean of FEB UNS, Prof. Bhimo Rizky Samudro, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., conveyed that FEB UNS is currently preparing its eligibility application, which is planned for submission in April. External input was therefore considered essential to strengthen the documents prepared by the accreditation team. “We need feedback before proceeding with the submission in April, specifically, which areas require further strengthening. Although our team has prepared the materials, we still need to learn how to present and communicate them more effectively,” said Prof. Bhimo.

Dr. Khairunnisak shared her experience with international accreditation processes, noting that although she is no longer formally part of her institution’s accreditation team, she continues to follow developments in institutional accreditation. Her initial involvement included the AACSB re-accreditation process at the School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, as well as the initial accreditation processes for AMBA and EQUIS. Prior to the discussion, Dr. Khairunnisak posed several questions to the FEB UNS team regarding the faculty’s current stage in the accreditation process, the objectives of the discussion, and the steps already undertaken in preparing the accreditation application.

In response, the Vice Dean for Academic and Research Affairs of FEB UNS, Prof. Tri Mulyaningsih, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., explained that FEB UNS has been an AACSB member for approximately ten years, though the formal application process only commenced the previous year. FEB UNS has submitted its business unit application and received confirmation that it may proceed to the eligibility application stage. The FEB UNS team has also participated in an AACSB workshop in the preceding year as part of the preparation process.

Putra Pamungkas, S.E., M.Rech., Ph.D., subsequently presented an overview of the eligibility application document prepared by the FEB UNS team, elaborating on the various aspects covered in the document while opening the floor for feedback from Dr. Khairunnisak as external examiner. Should it be necessary, the complete eligibility application document will also be forwarded to Dr. Khairunnisak for further review.

In her closing remark, Dr. Khairunnisak recommended that the document review process be completed prior to Eid al-Fitr to avoid a rushed submission. She also emphasized the importance of institutional commitment to the international accreditation process, including active participation in various activities organized by AACSB.

This activity forms part of FEB UNS’s efforts to enhance the quality of education and academic governance toward international standards, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the improvement of higher education quality, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through the strengthening of international collaboration with partner institutions.

Center for Research and Community Service Development (P4M), Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), held a virtual Working Paper Forum on Thursday, 5 March 2026. The forum featured Prof. Dr. Evi Gravitiani, S.E., M.Si., CBEc., from the Green Economy and Sustainable Development Research Group of FEB UNS, who presented findings from a study entitled “Ecology to Economy: Economic Valuation as the Basis for Designing a Payment for Environmental Services Scheme: A Field Study in the Pusur Sub-Watershed, Klaten.”

In her presentation, Prof. Evi explained that the research departs from the interconnection between ecological and economic dimensions in natural resource management, emphasizing that an economic valuation approach is necessary to assign measurable value to environmental services that have long remained invisible within conventional economic systems. She noted that environmental degradation in watershed areas can adversely affect water quality and availability, with upstream areas serving as providers of environmental services while mid- and downstream areas benefit economically from those water resources. “

Ecology and economics are inherently interconnected. Economic valuation serves as a bridge for understanding how environmental services can be assigned economic worth,” she explained.

The study, conducted in the Pusur Sub-Watershed in Klaten Regency, involved community surveys to assess residents’ willingness to support environmental conservation efforts through a Payment for Environmental Services (PES) scheme. The research team measured two primary approaches: Willingness to Pay (WTP), referring to the readiness of water users to contribute financially to conservation efforts, and Willingness to Accept (WTA), referring to the readiness of upstream communities to receive compensation in exchange for maintaining environmental sustainability. The research sites encompassed upstream villages of Mriyan and Pagerjurang, as well as the mid-watershed villages of Ponggok and Cokro in Klaten Regency. All villages are selected for their direct involvement in the utilization and management of water resources within the Pusur Sub-Watershed. Employing a field survey methodology through the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), the study engaged hundreds of respondents to identify community perceptions of the PES scheme.

The findings revealed a discrepancy between the willingness-to-pay values of water users and the compensation expectations of upstream communities, indicating that the effective implementation of a PES scheme requires policy support and institutional strengthening. Through the forum, participants had the opportunity to discuss the development of economic valuation-based environmental policy frameworks, while deepening their understanding of the importance of integrating ecological, economic, and social dimensions in natural resource management.

The Working Paper Forum also forms part of FEB UNS’s broader efforts to advance research and academic discourse contributing to sustainable development. In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the activity supports SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through efforts to sustain water resources, as well as SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the strengthening of scientific inquiry into environmental conservation and sustainable ecosystem management.

In her closing remarks, Prof. Evi stressed the importance of preserving water resources, cautioning that while many assume water will never run out due to its natural cycle, that cycle can be disrupted if its supporting ecosystems, such as trees and water catchment areas, are no longer maintained. She explained that as long as the water cycle remains intact, water may be classified as a renewable resource. However, should that cycle be broken, water would exist only as a finite stock and risk becoming a non-renewable resource. To prevent this, she advocated for water conservation and the adoption of sustainable water use practices, including circular water use concepts such as repurposing ablution water for irrigating plants.

Prof. Evi expressed her hope that awareness of the need to preserve water would continue to be cultivated, ensuring that future generations are not confronted with water scarcity or prohibitively high-water costs, and called upon all participants to collectively safeguard water as a fundamental source of life.

Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), received a Visitation Team for the Inter-Faculty Inclusive Competition within the UNS academic community on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, at Meeting Room I of the Soeharno TS Building, FEB UNS. The activity forms part of the series of events commemorating UNS’s 50th Dies Natalis, as well as an effort to advance the implementation of inclusivity values within the higher education environment.

The visit aims to verify and strengthen the implementation of inclusivity, equality, and accessibility within the campus. The program also constitutes part of the application of the UNS Inclusion Metric, which refers to the implementation of reasonable accommodation policies for persons with disabilities within the educational system. Assessment in this inclusive competition encompasses three principal standards: psychological support, physical facilities, and learning standards. All of these aspects serve as key indicators in evaluating the extent to which a faculty is able to create an academic environment that is welcoming, equitable, and accessible to all members of the academic community, including persons with disabilities.

In his remarks, the Dean of FEB UNS, Prof. Bhimo Rizky Samudro, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., stated that the faculty has been continuously working to make improvements based on feedback provided by the university team in previous assessments, and affirmed that FEB remains open to suggestions and evaluations that can drive further enhancement of inclusivity within the faculty. “Several notes from the previous year have served as areas for us to continue improving. We hope that through this visitation, the assessor team can provide constructive feedback so that the implementation of the inclusion program at FEB can progress further,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the UNS Inclusive Competition Team, led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Bambang Suhardi, S.T., M.T., ASEAN Eng., expressed appreciation for the warm reception and preparations made by FEB UNS. He explained that the assessment is not intended to identify shortcomings, but rather to serve as a space for dialogue in collectively strengthening an inclusive campus culture. “We are here to conduct verification while also engaging in discussion regarding the implementation of inclusivity, equality, and accessibility values within the faculty. It is our hope that this process will yield tangible benefits for the development of a more inclusive campus culture,” he explained.

On the same occasion, the Head of the FEB UNS Inclusion Team, Mulyadi, S.E., M.Ec.Dev., Ph.D., MCE., conveyed that the visitation was oriented towards direct discussion with the assessor team regarding the inclusion programs that have been implemented at FEB, with the expectation that such discussions would yield constructive input to strengthen the faculty’s ongoing inclusivity development efforts.

Through this activity, FEB UNS demonstrates its commitment to continually developing an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all members of the academic community — an effort aligned with the spirit of UNS’s 50th Anniversary: “Five Decades of Service to the Nation: A Foundation for the Acceleration of Impactful and Sustainable Achievement.”

This commitment to strengthening an inclusive campus culture is also consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education and SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities, both of which emphasize the importance of equitable and inclusive access to education for all.

Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), received a benchmarking visit from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) UNS in preparation for the opening of its International Class program. The meeting took place on Thursday, 19 February 2026, at Meeting Room 1 of the Soeharno TS Building, FEB UNS. As the pioneer faculty in the implementation of International Classes at UNS, FEB serves as the primary reference for other faculties seeking to establish similar programs.

In his remarks, the Dean of FEB UNS, Prof. Bhimo Rizky Samudro, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., elaborated on the challenges encountered by FEB since pioneering the International Class program in 2021, noting that its success is contingent upon a sound legal framework and a strong commitment from human resources. “We are sharing our experience regarding the initial challenges when FEB was establishing its international class. Starting from class management to student recruitment strategies. The details of its legal foundation and implementation up to the present will be conveyed by the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs,” said Prof. Bhimo.

He also highlighted the importance of periodic curriculum reviews by relevant bodies such as LPPMP to maintain quality standards.

The Dean of FMIPA UNS, Prof. Dr. Desi Suci Handayani, S.Si., M.Si., conveyed that FMIPA is preparing to open two international classes, for the Chemistry Study Program and Biology Study Program respectively. This visit conducted following a direct recommendation of the Vice Rector for Academic and Research Affairs, thus, FMIPA could learn from FEB’s experience.

“Today, we visit FEB to learn how to develop an ideal curriculum. Our hope is that these international classes will genuinely attract foreign students, not only Indonesian students,” said Prof. Desi.

She further highlights the importance of understanding the curriculum structure and the Credit Student Abroad (CSA) calculation mechanism to ensure a well-prepared implementation at FMIPA.

The Vice Dean for Academic and Research Affairs of FEB UNS, Prof. Tri Mulyaningsih, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., then provided a detailed presentation on the regulatory framework governing the International Class program, ranging from Rector’s Regulation No. 21 of 2024 on the Implementation of Undergraduate Programs to the specific provisions of Rector’s Regulation No. 32 of 2025 on the Implementation of International Class Programs. The program is further strengthened by Rector’s Decrees issued in 2025 formally establishing the International Class and Double Degree programs for three study programs: Accounting (No. 1518/2025), Management (No. 1686/2025), and Development Economics (No. 1687/2025).

In terms of pedagogy, full English-medium instruction is complemented by a contemporary curriculum grounded in Outcome-Based Education (OBE), ensuring a student-centered learning approach that prepares graduates for the complexities of the global labor market. Prof. Tri also highlighted the mandatory international mobility requirement for International Class students, who are facilitated to participate in student exchange programs, summer courses, and visits by international professors through a network of partner universities spanning Asia, Europe, and Australia.

To support these efforts, FEB UNS continuously promotes the program through digital materials including e-leaflets, prospectuses, and international mobility guides, all publicly accessible via FEB’s social media platforms. The subsequent discussion session provided an opportunity for the FMIPA leadership delegation, led by Dean Prof. Dr. Desi, to explore further aspects of international class management.

FEB’s readiness to accompany other faculties in this endeavor reflects its commitment to the global agenda, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), ensuring the expansion of international education standards across the university, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) strengthening internal inter-faculty synergy to accelerate institutional internationalization and advance the university’s vision of achieving world-class standing.

Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), held the Grand Inauguration of Student Activity Units (UKM) and Student Organizations (Ormawa) for the year 2026 on Thursday, 26 February 2026, at the Suhardi Building Hall of FEB UNS. The event marked an important milestone in formally establishing the new leadership boards while reinforcing the role of student organizations as platforms for self-development within the faculty.

The Dean of FEB UNS, Prof. Bhimo Rizky Samudro, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., officially inaugurated the Chairs for each UKM and Ormawa simultaneously in a ceremony symbolized by the striking of a gong, marking the commencement of the new leadership period. In his remarks, Prof. Bhimo extended his appreciation to the retired boards and conveyed words of motivation to the newly inaugurated leaders.

“Congratulations to the 2026 student board members who are being inaugurated today, and we also extend our gratitude to the 2025 Ormawa and UKM boards of FEB UNS,” he stated.

Prof. Bhimo affirmed that UKM and Ormawa activities play a vital role in supporting the teaching and learning process and in shaping the character of students. “Through the activities of UKM and Ormawa, these organizations can at the very least support the teaching and learning process and contribute to the personal development of each and every one of you at FEB UNS,” he added.

He further emphasized the importance of organizational experience in building soft skills, broadening perspectives, and preparing students for the professional world and life in society. He expressed support for the Student and Alumni Affairs Division’s policy encouraging student involvement in at least one UKM or Ormawa, noting the positive impact not only academically, but also psychologically and socially through organizational interaction and dynamics.

The 2026 inauguration involved all organizational members, fostering a stronger sense of collegiality compared to previous years. The Dean expressed his hope that the new leadership boards would carry forward the legacy built by their predecessors, sustain existing programs, and pursue improvements and innovations for the continued advancement of their respective organizations.

On behalf of all UKM and Ormawa chairpersons, the President of the FEB UNS Student Executive Board (BEM) 2026, M. Akhtar Ghiyatas Keihan, conveyed that the mandate of leadership extends beyond a formal position. It represents a significant responsibility to manage organizations as spaces for growth and self-development. He called upon all board members to utilize their organizations as platforms for learning, growth, and creating meaningful impact for the surrounding community through collaboration, healthy communication, and innovation responsive to student needs.

The event commenced with an opening session, followed by remarks from the Dean of FEB UNS and the President of BEM FEB UNS. The formal inauguration of all UKM and Ormawa chairs, marking the main session of the ceremony, symbolized by the striking of a gong to mark the beginning of the new leadership period. The event concluded with a closing prayer and a group documentation session.

The 2026 Grand Inauguration of UKM and Ormawa at FEB UNS reflects the faculty’s commitment to cultivating student leadership that is principled, collaborative, and adaptive. The activity is also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in supporting quality education (SDG 4), strengthening the capacity of the younger generation, and fostering inclusive and participatory institutions (SDG 16) in the pursuit of sustainable development.