Becoming Leaders and Making an Impact, GENIUS 2026 Strengthens Character of New UNU Jogja Students

Yogyakarta, Indonesia - Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) is holding its 2026 New Student Campus Life Orientation Program (PKKMB), known as GENIUS 2026. The program serves as a transformative moment for new students to shape their futures, grow, and make a broader impact on society.

This year, GENIUS, or Gebyar Orientasi dan Unjuk Ekspresi, held from September 22–24, 2026, carries the theme “Upgrade New U: Lead, Impact, and Grow Together.” Acting Rector of UNU Jogja Fahmy Akbar Idries said the theme serves as a message, an invitation, and a moral encouragement for new students to become the best versions of themselves.

“First, lead, or to lead. Becoming a leader starts with leading yourself, maintaining discipline, building integrity, and strengthening character through exemplary conduct,” he said while opening GENIUS 2026 at the UNU Jogja campus on Tuesday (September 23, 2026).

The second is impact, or making an impact, which means ensuring that the knowledge and technology students acquire do not remain confined to the classroom, but are transformed into tangible solutions (khairunnas anfahum linnas) for the sustainability of society and humanity.

The third message is grow together, or growing together. “This means prioritizing collaboration and togetherness, or ukhuwah, over individualism, so that we can move forward sustainably as one integrated ecosystem,” he said.

Inclusivity Among New Students

The 2026 cohort of UNU Jogja new students comes from various regions across Indonesia, from the westernmost to the easternmost parts of the country. In addition to Java, students come from several areas in Sumatra, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Nusa Tenggara. From the westernmost region, there are students from Aceh Tamiang Regency and Banda Aceh. Meanwhile, from the easternmost region, a student is registered from Teluk Wondama Regency, West Papua.

Among them are students admitted through scholarship programs who have earned certificates of achievement. A total of 92 new students received the Talenta Lestari Scholarship in recognition of their strong commitment to sustainability agendas. Meanwhile, 19 students are tahfiz students who have memorized all 30 juz of the Quran. Scholarship recipients can study free of charge for eight semesters.

As an inclusive university, UNU Jogja is also open to people from all backgrounds, including students of different faiths and students with disabilities. This year, two students with disabilities have received sign language interpreter support from the beginning of GENIUS 2026.

Throughout the day, the entire 2026 cohort of UNU Jogja students mingled with their peers and student mentors from previous cohorts. From the morning, they were introduced to their new campus more closely, from meeting leaders at the rectorate, directorate, and faculty levels to joining the “Prodi Connect” program, which allowed them to become more familiar with their respective academic communities, including lecturers, student associations, and alumni.

Character Building and Financial Literacy

Amid various campus orientation activities, the first day of GENIUS 2026 also featured a series of character-building programs. Character development for new students, particularly in fostering a sense of patriotism, was delivered through a talk show titled “Building Nationalism and Integrity: The Role of New Students in Defending the Nation.”

The discussion featured several speakers, including Nahdlatul Ulama Regional Executive Board (PWNU) of Yogyakarta Special Region official KH. Ahmad Zuhdi Muhdlor, Chair of the Yogyakarta Special Region Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu DIY) Mohammad Najib, and psychologist from Korem 072/Pamungkas Yogyakarta Wahyu Apriliyanti.

Chairman of the PWNU DIY Tanfidziyah Board, KH. Ahmad Zuhdi Muhdlor, reminded students that NU’s love for the homeland had been demonstrated since the colonial era. “Therefore, as UNU Jogja students, you must continue to develop a sense of nationalism and study diligently. Love for the nation can also be demonstrated by developing three things: intellectual capacity, skills, and character,” he said.

Chair of Bawaslu DIY Mohammad Najib said students should contribute to defending the nation and its development, including through efforts to prevent corruption. “The fight against corruption can start with ourselves, such as by not engaging in dishonest practices in everyday life. This is one way for the younger generation to defend the nation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wahyu Apriliyanti, representing Korem 072/Pamungkas Yogyakarta, emphasized the importance of self-discipline among young people. This is particularly important as students today live in a digital environment where various things can be widely disseminated, from instant lifestyles and hoaxes to narcotics. “The younger generation must be disciplined in strengthening their identity. Do not let temporary pleasures cause you to lose your sense of identity,” she stressed.

In addition to strengthening integrity and nationalism, new students also received financial literacy education, given that many young people have become victims of illegal financial services. A talk show titled “Financially Smart, Free from Fraud and Illegal Online Loans” was therefore held, featuring financial institutions and professional practitioners.

Rosi Kho Arliyani, a supervisor at the Financial Services Authority (OJK) in Yogyakarta, encouraged new students to be vigilant about online loans and illegal investments. According to the data she presented, the largest demographic of complaints regarding illegal online lending in Yogyakarta is people aged 18–25, which includes university students. “Always be alert and careful when using digital financial services. Do not hesitate to report illegal financial activities through sipasti.ojk.go.id,” she said.

Also attending the session were Bibit.id Head of PR & Corporate Communication William and financial planner and entrepreneur Pratiwi Hamdhana. Both emphasized the importance of young people beginning to consider financial planning and investment, as well as developing an entrepreneurial spirit. 

Students were also encouraged to make investment decisions wisely and with prudence, while not hesitating to start their own businesses. “Developing good financial habits from college, such as preparing a monthly budget, setting aside an emergency fund, or avoiding a consumerist lifestyle, can shape our future,” Pratiwi said.*

Reporter : Arif