Minister of Higher Education Visits Telkom University: Advancing Academic Excellence and Showcasing Innovative Waste Incinerator for Strengthened Sustainability Practices

Bandung, 24 August 2025 — Telkom University (Tel-U), a long-time partner of the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings Network, welcomed Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Prof. Brian Yuliarto, Ph.D., on Monday in a visit highlighting the institution’s efforts to strengthen both academic quality and sustainability practices.

Prof. Brian was received by officials from LLDIKTI Region IV, the YPT Board of Directors, and the university leadership before delivering a keynote speech at Tel-U’s Academic Assignment Meeting for the 2025/2026 academic year. Prior to the session, he toured one of the campus’s key environmental initiatives: its waste incinerator facility.

Developed in collaboration with Bandung Techno Park, the incinerator processes non-recyclable waste using a fuel blend of solar and water. The system is equipped with a three-stage filtration mechanism that reduces harmful emissions, enabling cleaner exhaust release. The remaining ash is later repurposed into cement mixtures used for sidewalk repairs on campus, reflecting Tel-U’s commitment to circular waste practices.

The facility forms part of Tel-U’s integrated waste management program, known as I-Want, which oversees waste from generation to final processing. Under this system, organic waste is converted into compost, while inorganic materials that cannot be recycled are directed to the incinerator. University officials say the approach aims to reduce the campus’s environmental footprint through more effective waste handling.

Telkom University’s operation of the incinerator aligns with the assessment criteria used by UI GreenMetric, particularly those concerning waste management, infrastructure and climate action. The ranking system places emphasis on not only policy development but also the actual implementation of sustainability measures. Tel-U’s incinerator serves as an example of how universities can adopt practical, technology-based solutions to address waste challenges while creating added value from residual materials.

The minister’s visit underscored the growing expectation for higher education institutions to contribute to national sustainability goals. His engagement at Telkom University highlighted the essential role of universities in advancing environmental stewardship alongside academic excellence.

Emphasizing the importance of relevance and societal impact, the Minister stated, “Civitas academica must create, understand industry needs, and respond to the needs of society. With the spirit of Diktisaintek Berdampak, let us move forward together toward Indonesia Emas 2025.”

As an active member of the UI GreenMetric global network, Telkom University has consistently participated in the annual evaluation and has undertaken a range of initiatives to improve its environmental performance. UI GreenMetric noted that the minister’s visit reaffirmed Tel-U’s commitment to implementing measurable and forward-looking sustainability practices.

University leaders said they hoped their efforts would encourage other higher education institutions in Indonesia and abroad to strengthen their environmental policies and adopt technologies that support long-term sustainability.

Written by: Riska Putri Hariyadi – Communication Specialist of UI GreenMetric

Galleries: