UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to produce graduates who carry the institution’s academic values worldwide through professional contributions and community engagement in their respective disciplines. Among them is Dr. Edza Aria Wikurendra, PhD, a graduate of UNAIR’s Master’s Program in Environmental Health, who is now a lecturer in the Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences, at Curtin University Malaysia.
UNAIR education shapes a global academic
With an educational background spanning vocational studies to doctoral training, combined with extensive experience in research and national community service, Dr. Wikurendra has developed into an academic with a strong focus on global collaboration and cross-disciplinary environmental solutions. At Curtin University Malaysia, he advances research in environmental health, waste management, and environmental sustainability within the Southeast Asian context, while also mentoring young scholars in the region.
“The multicultural academic environment, a robust research ecosystem, and the region’s urgent demand for sustainable solutions were key factors behind my decision to build my career here,” he said.
Dr. Wikurendra noted that his education at UNAIR played a decisive role in shaping his trajectory as an international academic. A solid scientific foundation, a critical perspective as a sanitarian, a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong values of service and social awareness have remained central to his professional identity.
“UNAIR shaped me not only into a researcher, but into an academic who thinks globally, collaborates widely, and remains firmly connected to community needs and environmental sustainability,” he explained.
Throughout his career abroad, his most meaningful contribution as a UNAIR alumnus has been acting as a link between UNAIR and international research networks. He has represented the university in various global capacities, including as a recipient of the Green Talents Award from Germany’s Ministry of Research, as well as through participation in international scientific forums and journal management. He has also made direct contributions through guest lectures, academic writing mentorship, and collaborative research with students and colleagues in Indonesia.
Bridge for cross-regional collaboration
He has further promoted cross-regional collaboration by opening opportunities for UNAIR in environmental health, waste management, the circular economy, and sustainability initiatives. At the same time, he reinforces UNAIR’s identity through firm yet grounded teaching, problem-driven research focused on public impact, and professional networks that enable UNAIR students to engage with international partners.
He added that UNAIR alumni working overseas are well positioned to serve as connectors for research collaboration, academic exchange, and capacity development, while also mentoring students and early-career researchers. Successful global practices, he said, can be adapted into policy recommendations, training programs, or pilot projects.
“Be a two-way bridge that strengthens Indonesia, because a single alumnus who consistently mentors others can create a ripple effect across the national academic ecosystem,” he said.
Ultimately, he views the idea of an impactful alumnus not as a measure of personal success, but as the ability to generate benefits for institutions and society by balancing a global outlook with strong local roots through competitive, problem-oriented research.
“The true measure is not position or publication counts alone, but how far our presence opens doors for others and delivers practical solutions,” he concluded.
Author: Bethari Sri Indrajayanti
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
