(FEB NEWS) – Behind UNAIR's ambitious target of reaching the top 250 in the world by 2026, there are ambitious targets being shouldered by its leading faculties. One of them is UNAIR's Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB). In the 2026 Performance Contract Signing on Friday (January 9, 2026), UNAIR not only agreed on a number but also accepted the mandate to be the primary driver of improving the university's global reputation.

The Dean of FEB UNAIR, Prof. Dr. Rudi Purwono, signed the contract in the presence of UNAIR Rector, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan SE, M.Si., M.Fin, with full awareness that his faculty is at the forefront of this reputation battle.

"This is not just an administrative document. It's an integrity and acceleration pact that demands breakthroughs across all sectors," said Prof. Rudi after the signing. This contract commits FEB UNAIR to key targets that directly impact global ranking indicators, such as internationally reputable research productivity, the ratio of doctoral lecturers, collaboration with global industries, and international student admissions.

In his remarks, the Rector specifically highlighted the critical issues of Human Resources (HR) and funding as the biggest challenges. This statement received a serious response from the FEB leadership. "The target of 250 in the world is a major leap. To achieve it, we cannot continue with the old methods. Innovation in recruitment, lecturer career development, and mobilizing independent funding is imperative," he emphasized.

FEB UNAIR is considered one of the faculties with the greatest strategic assets. These include a strong alumni network in the corporate and government sectors, study programs aligned with global trends, and a well-established research tradition. These assets will be utilized to address the challenge expressed by Rector and Chair of the Academic Senate, Prof. Nursalam, regarding the need to increase university revenue through an entrepreneurial university.

FEB UNAIR's commitment is manifested in a detailed roadmap encompassing four pillars. First, research acceleration with a target of increasing publications in Q1 journals and international collaboration. Second, human resource development through postdoctoral fellowships and visiting professorships. Third, global network expansion by increasing double degrees and joint research with top 200 universities worldwide. Fourth, learning innovation that integrates data science and the digital economy across all study programs.

"This performance contract serves as a compass. Each department and unit at FEB has measurable derivative targets that directly impact the ranking indicators," he explained.

The signing, witnessed by the entire FEB leadership, symbolizes collective solidarity and readiness. FEB UNAIR does not view this target as a burden, but rather as a historic opportunity to demonstrate its capacity as a leading faculty of economics and business capable of propelling its alma mater into the global league.

Author: Sintya Alfafa