UNBI’S 2026 PKKMB OFFICIALLY KICKS OFF; NEW STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ROOT THEMSELVES IN CULTURE AND GROW TOWARD HOPE

DENPASAR, August 24, 2026 – Bali International University (UNBI) officially kicked off a series of activities for the 2026 Campus Life Orientation for New Students (PKKMB) on Monday (August 24, 2026). Under the theme “Akarsa: Rooted in Culture, Growing Toward Hope,,” the first day’s activities served as an introductory space for new students to get to know campus life while understanding the importance of character, culture, and responsibility as students.

The event, held in the UNBI Auditorium and several other campus venues, was attended by the Chair of the Anugerah Husada Bali Indonesia Foundation, the leadership of Bali International University, deans, and the academic community. A total of 331 students participated in the PKKMB program, consisting of 307 new students and 24 students from the previous year.

The opening ceremony began with a prayer, the singing of the national anthem “Indonesia Raya,” and the Bali International University Hymn. Next, the Chair of the UNBI 2026 PKKMB Organizing Committee, Katong Ragawi Numadi, S.Hub.Int., M.Hub.Int., delivered a report on the event’s implementation and explained the significance of this year’s theme. According to him, the theme “Akarsa” was chosen as a reminder that education is not solely about academic achievement. Amid the changing times and modernism, students also need to possess ethics and character, and remain grounded in cultural values as they navigate life.

The event then continued with remarks from Deputy Vice Rector II, Dr. apt. I Gusti Ayu Rai Widowati, S.Si., M.Kes., MH., CMC, who welcomed the new students and encouraged all participants to actively engage in every session of the PKKMB.

Meanwhile, Chair of the Anugerah Husada Bali Indonesia Foundation, Dr. Drs. I Nyoman Gede Astina, M.Pd., CHT., CHA, emphasized the importance of politeness and honesty as values that students must embody. These values are also in line with the spirit of the 2026 UNBI PKKMB, which places culture and character as essential components in the student development process.

The Rector of Bali International University, Prof. Dr. dr. I Made Bakta, Sp.PD (KHOM), officially opened the UNBI 2026 PKKMB event. In his remarks, he explained that life in college differs from life in high school or vocational school. Students are no longer merely recipients of direct instruction, as they were in high school. Upon entering higher education, students are expected to be more independent in their studies, in making decisions, and in taking responsibility for the choices they make.

Following the official opening, the Chair of the Foundation and the UNBI Rector pinned participant badges on representatives of the incoming freshmen. The event then continued with the screening of a video message from the Ministry of Education and Culture and Diktisaintek.

Getting to Know UNBI Better

Moving on to the presentation session, the new students participated in a talk show titled “MY UNBI, YOUR UNBI, OUR UNBI”, moderated by I Made Luhur Adiputra, S.M., M.M. along with guest speaker Dr. Drs. I Nyoman Gede Astina, M.Pd., CHT., CHA.

In this session, students were introduced to the history and development of Bali International University. It was explained that the institution, which previously focused on the health sector, has now evolved into a university offering 17 academic programs. Throughout its development, UNBI has continuously strived to provide services to students, faculty, and staff. Values such as family spirit, togetherness, honesty, and hard work are among the core principles guiding the building and development of UNBI.

Students also had the opportunity to ask questions regarding the challenges UNBI faces in competing with other universities, as well as future plans for program development, including the potential launch of a master’s program.

Becoming Professional, Excellent, and Culturally Aware Students

The next talk show featured the theme “The UNBI Spirit: Professional, Excellent, and Culturally Enriched.” This session featured UNBI Rector Prof. Dr. dr. I Made Bakta, Sp.PD (KHOM), Vice Rector I Prof. Dr. I Komang Gde Bendesa, M.A.D.E., and Vice Rector II dr. I Gusti Lanang Made Rudiartha, MHA.

The discussion in this session emphasized that student life is not solely focused on academic performance. Students also need to develop hard skills, soft skills, character skills, and ethics to prepare them for life on campus and in the workforce. Furthermore, being a leading university is not solely about academic ability. The ability to adapt to environmental changes, technological developments, and scientific advancements is a crucial part of building an institution that can survive and thrive.

From a cultural perspective, students are also encouraged to understand that culture is not merely reflected through visible symbols or customs. It encompasses values and norms that form the foundation of life. Therefore, students need to be able to appreciate diversity and adapt to diverse environments.

Students and a Spirit of Cultural Awareness

The spirit of character-building was once again the topic of discussion in the third talkshow titled “Students with a Cultural Spirit.” This session featured Dr. apt. I Gusti Ayu Rai Widowati, S.Si., M.Kes., MH., CMC and was moderated by Komang Ayu Tri Paramitha, S.Pd., M.I.Kom, C.PS.

Students were introduced to the Salam SEROJA values, which consist of being courteous, educational, responsive, optimistic, honest, and adaptive. These values represent the character traits students need to develop during their time in higher education. Students are not only expected to pursue a high Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). Character development and soft skills are also an integral part of the educational process.

Three values emphasized during the session were cultural identity, cultural innovation, and cultural respect. Students were encouraged to understand their cultural identity, be capable of innovation, and at the same time respect the cultures and diversity around them.

Learning to Be a Well-Rounded Student from Alumni

The perspectives of students and alumni were the focus of the next talkshow, which highlighted the slogan “Creative Students, Culturally Aware Generation.” This session features UNBI alumna Anak Agung Mas Prami Iswari, S.Psi., and is moderated by Anak Agung Dewi Trisnawati.

Through their experiences, the alumni shared stories about their college lives, from participating in the PKKMB to being active in organizations. According to him, while a GPA does play an important role, organizational experience and the development of soft skills also provide students with the tools they need to navigate both the academic and professional worlds.

Organizational experience also serves as a means to learn time management and set priorities. One of the approaches introduced is the Do, Decide, Delegate, and Delete matrix for determining which activities need to be done and prioritized.

Students were also reminded of their role as well-rounded students, including upholding the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, possessing the ability to face challenges, and maintaining moral integrity in fulfilling their roles both on campus and in the community.

When Tradition Meets Innovation

In the next session, the 2026 UNBI PKKMB presented a talk show titled “From Tradition to Inspiration: When Culture Meets Innovation.” This session discussed the preservation of art, traditional values, and cultural innovation in Bali amid technological advancements and the digital age.

The talk show featured three speakers, namely Ida Bagus Eka Haristha, founder of Naluri Manca, I B Purwa Sidemen, S.Ag., M.Si., and I Nyoman Resa Angga Nurbawa. In their discussion, the speakers encouraged students to view culture as something that need not be confined to its traditional forms. Culture can continue to evolve and innovate without losing the core values that define its identity.

Advances in technology and digital media can also be leveraged as tools to introduce and develop cultural potential to a broader generation. However, such innovation must still be accompanied by an understanding of the values, meanings, and sacredness inherent in culture. This session also addressed various issues arising amid modernization, including the commercialization of culture and the use of more practical materials in traditional ceremonies. The speakers emphasized that the impact of modernization can be both positive and negative, depending on the focus and mindset of the community in responding to it.

Closed with Spirited Cheers

After the series of talkshows concluded, the freshmen returned to the field to participate in group activities. The PKKMB atmosphere was once again filled with enthusiasm as each group took turns performing their chants. These performances provided an opportunity for the new students to demonstrate their unity and creativity within their respective groups. The first day of PKKMB then concluded with the UNBI Pelita Muda jingle, which everyone sang together.

Through the series of activities on the first day, the 2026 UNBI PKKMB served not only as an opportunity to introduce campus life to new students. More than that, these activities serve as a first step for students to understand UNBI’s identity, build independence, develop character, and remain rooted in culture amidst the changing times.

This spirit aligns with the theme “Akarsa: Rooted in Culture, Growing Toward Hope,” which serves as the foundation for new students to begin their journey at Bali International University.