UNAIR NEWS – After years of planning and development since 2022, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), in collaboration with the East Java Provincial Government, has officially inaugurated Plaza Airlangga. The inauguration and building handover ceremony took place on Sunday evening, June 15, 2025, at UNAIR’s MERR-C Campus.
The event was attended by UNAIR leadership, East Java officials, representatives from related government agencies, the UNAIR Alumni Association (IKA UNAIR), and members of the academic community. It featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, donations to orphans, and the signing of the official building transfer document. The document was signed by I Nyoman Gunadi, ST, MT, Head of the Provincial Office for Housing, Settlements, and Urban Development, and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, SE, M.Si, M.Fin, UNAIR’s Vice Rector for Resources.
UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih expressed his gratitude for the 5,530-square-meter facility, describing the inauguration as a milestone in collaboration between government and educational institutions. “We are deeply thankful for the official handover of Plaza Airlangga. It is truly a remarkable gift. Our sincere appreciation goes to the Governor and her team for their outstanding partnership and support,” he said.
Platform for business and learning
In his speech, Prof. Nasih explained that Plaza Airlangga is envisioned as a vibrant hub for both business and education. Its strategic location on campus is expected to drive economic activity. He emphasized that the plaza represents a concrete contribution from both the university and government to empower local micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
“We’ve long envisioned this as a business zone. We hope it becomes a hub for cafés and restaurants. I also recall the Governor’s message urging us to support MSMEs,” said the senior economist from UNAIR.
He added that the space will offer more than commercial opportunities—it will also support student development. “Business spaces like this are crucial in higher education, giving students—especially those in vocational programs—a place to practice and sharpen their skills,” he noted.
Space for public
Beyond its business and educational functions, Plaza Airlangga will include a health services center. Prof. Nasih hopes it becomes a meaningful space to serve the community. “Every contribution made here will, God willing, become a lasting act of good. With its role in healthcare and beyond, this facility will bring many blessings,” he said.
East Java Governor Dr. (H.C.U.A.) Khofifah Indar Parawansa praised UNAIR’s growing reputation and its strategic steps as one of Indonesia’s top universities. “I often hear praise for UNAIR’s accomplishments. Its national and international rankings continue to earn respect,” she stated.
Governor Parawansa echoed the Rector’s hopes, expressing her wish that Plaza Airlangga would continue to generate value for society. “May this place bring blessings and have a meaningful impact on the community. With that, I officially hand it over to the Rector,” she concluded.
Author: M Adif Albarado
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
