Labuan Bajo, August 20—The collaboration between BINUS University and eLBajo Commodus Polytechnic for the 2024 International Community Development Program (ICDP) was successfully held on August 13–22, 2024, with a focus on empowering the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector through students’ actionable ideas based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The ICDP 2024 program offers a unique experience for both domestic and international students to enrich their studies by identifying challenges and collaborating to develop solutions that can improve the well-being and impact of the MSME sector on society. International students from leading universities such as the University of New South Wales in Australia and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia are expected to form cross-border collaborations that foster cross-cultural understanding and create a rich learning environment.
The city of Labuan Bajo was chosen because of the learning opportunities it offers to introduce participants to the importance of understanding local culture so that they can integrate this understanding with theory, real-world issues, and the TPB concept to develop solutions through the use of technology.
“This year’s ICDP, held in Labuan Bajo, aims to provide students with the opportunity to explore their innovations in developing the MSME sector by integrating the SDGs. “It is hoped that these innovations will be adopted by MSMEs, thereby not only improving the quality of their businesses but also making a meaningful impact on the economic growth of the surrounding community,” said Debby Sonita Lubis, S.Psi., M.Soc.Sc., Project Lead and Associate Manager of the Internationalization Office at BINUS University.
Marianus Yono Jehanu, the village head of Batu Cermin, Komodo Subdistrict, West Manggarai Regency, NTT, echoed this sentiment, noting that the collaboration between BINUS University and eLBajo Commodus Polytechnic can drive the progress of MSMEs, particularly in Batu Cermin Village, which is one of the favorite destinations for tourists visiting Labuan Bajo.
“We are grateful for the positive ideas shared, as they hold the potential to be realized. This is a collaboration among all stakeholders,” added Yosef Edward Nairum Nahas (Teddy Nahas), Head of the Creative Economy Development Division at the West Manggarai Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Disparekraf).
Prof. Dr. I Nengah Dasi Astawa, M.Si, Director of eLBajo Commodus Polytechnic, proudly expressed his deepest appreciation to BINUS University for organizing the ICDP 2024 event in Labuan Bajo. This event is a concrete example of the strategic partnership between BINUS University and eLBajo Commodus Polytechnic aimed at enhancing educational capacity and quality, as well as community service.
“We hope that through this collaboration, a closer relationship between the two institutions can be forged, and that it will foster new innovations that benefit the wider community. Thank you to Binus University, and we hope that this collaboration will continue and have an increasingly positive impact on all parties,” added Prof. Dr. I Nengah Dasi Astawa, M.Si.
The collaboration between BINUS University students in Bandung, Semarang, and Malang with eLBajo Commodus Polytechnic through the 2024 International Community Development Program is an effort to foster a commitment to empowering MSMEs through cross-sectoral engagement aimed at enhancing competitiveness in domestic and international markets, while emphasizing the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in creating meaningful impact on society and supporting sustainable development and the empowerment of communities and MSMEs through national and international collaboration.
About BINUS University
BINUS University is a world-class Indonesian university that offers a wide range of internationally accredited programs from the undergraduate to the doctoral levels. When it was first established, BINUS was a provider of vocational training focused on computer systems and information technology. Since then, BINUS has grown into a university offering a wide range of programs across its campuses in Jakarta, Tangerang, Bekasi, Bandung, Semarang, and Malang.
BINUS University was officially established in 1996 as part of the BINUS Foundation, which was founded in 1974. BINUS University’s vision is “A world-class university, fostering and empowering society to build and serve the nation.”
Through IT-based integration into its curriculum and internal management, BINUS University emphasizes IT as a key pillar of its reputation as a leading Indonesian university. These efforts have been recognized by various international ranking organizations, such as Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education, and AppliedHE.
BINUS University achieved an overall Five-Star rating, the highest ranking in the QS Stars World University Ratings in the categories of inclusivity, teaching, industry engagement, and social responsibility. BINUS University is also listed in the 2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings, the QS World University Rankings (WUR) and Asia University Rankings (AUR), as well as the QS WUR by Subject Rankings in Computer Science (Top 400) and in Business and Management (Top 500). International accreditations successfully obtained by BINUS University include AACSB, ABET, HEEACT, and TEDQUAL.
eLBajo Commodus Polytechnic is the first and, to date, the only higher education institution in the city of Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, as per the Decree of the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education No. 338/KPT/2018 dated April 4, 2018, regarding the Permit to Establish the eLBajo Commodus Polytechnic Campus in West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, operated by the Bangkit Anak NegeriKu Foundation. Our institution holds a “Good” accreditation status based on the Decision of the Director of the BAN-PT Executive Board No. 821/SK/BAN-PT/Ak/PT/X/2023, and all of our study programs have also received “Good” accreditation.
Our vision is to become a leading vocational educational institution that is competitive, creative, innovative, and adaptable to developments in science, technology, and industry. This vision is implemented through a curriculum specifically designed for each program of study. We currently offer seven (7) programs of study, including three Associate’s Degree (DIII) programs: Hospitality, Ecotourism, and Information Technology; as well as four Applied Bachelor’s Degree programs: Hospitality Management, Tax Accounting, International Marketing Management, and English for Business and Professional Communication.
In carrying out the Three Pillars of Higher Education, eLBajo Commodus Polytechnic has established partnerships with more than 70 local, national, and international partners. These strategic partnerships have helped students in their academic pursuits by providing scholarship opportunities, opportunities for skill development, and expanding employment opportunities for our students and graduates.
