Depok-The Universitas Indonesia (UI) Vocational Education Program showcased its innovative cultural and technology-based work at the 2025 World Expo in Kansai, Japan, on July 20-27, 2025.
UI Vocational performed optimally as the sole representative of the world of education, thanks to a strategic collaboration with the Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (PPN/Bappenas) of the Republic of Indonesia, in organizing the Rolling Exhibition and Business Forum at the Indonesian Pavilion, which carried the theme “Thriving in Harmony” and was divided into several theme zones: nature, culture, future, and relaxing area.
UI Vocational showcases innovations from students in the Master of Applied Creative Industries and Media Production, including traditional dance videos based on virtual reality (VR) technology and interactive educational games that combine local culture with a digital approach.
“UI Vocational participation in the World Expo 2025 Osaka is a concrete manifestation of the transformation of vocational education in Indonesia. Through innovative, culture-based projects, we aim to demonstrate that vocational education can bridge the past and the future, and address global challenges,” said Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D, Director of the UI Vocational Education Program in Padang.
The active involvement of UI Vocational in the event also served as part of an effort to strengthen nation branding and emphasize the role of vocational education in fostering innovation and cross-border collaboration. During the event, faculty and student delegates had the opportunity to showcase their work to millions of visitors. The Indonesian Pavilion attracted over 15 million visitors during the exhibition.
Dian Vita, a student in the Master of Applied Creative Industries program, said that participating in the event provided invaluable experience. “Being at the center of the world’s cultural and technological intersection has made us even more convinced that works based on local wisdom have global appeal. Seeing visitors from various countries try and appreciate our work is a source of pride in itself,” she said.
(Photo: The atmosphere of the Indonesian Pavilion filled by the UI Vocational Education Program)
Echoing Dian, Dani Bintang Aprilyanto, a Media Production student, said the high level of enthusiasm from visitors left a positive impression. “Many were interested in trying out our products firsthand and asking more about vocational education in Indonesia,” he said.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, UI Vocational also held a business forum entitled “Integrating Vocational Higher Education Talents to Global Human Capital Demand”, which brought together representatives of the global creative industry, policy makers, and academics from various countries to discuss strategies for integrating vocational talent in the global ecosystem.
The Head of the UI Creative Industries Applied Master’s Program, Dr. Dewi Kartika Sari, S.E., M.S.Ak., CA., explained that the activity aligns with the implementation of vocational learning. “We equip students not only with theory but also with hands-on experience on the international stage. UI Vocational’s participation in the World Expo strengthens the implementation of a practice-based curriculum and real-world collaboration with industry and the global community,” said Ika.
This activity also received funding support from ICONIC and BAYARIN.ID, each amounting to IDR 50 million, which was used to support exhibition operations, delivery of works, and interactive facilities at the Indonesian Pavilion.
UI Vocational is the only Indonesian educational institution to participate at the World Expo 2025 Osaka. The international exhibition will take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025, with participation from 158 countries and seven international organizations under the theme “Designing a Future Society for Our Lives.” The World Expo is a global exhibition held every five years by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). In 2025, the World Expo will be held in Osaka, Japan, exploring innovative solutions to shape the global future.
Indonesia’s participation in the World Expo 2025 Osaka is coordinated by the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas of the Republic of Indonesia as the Responsible National Authority (RNA), which facilitates the presence of various parties from the government, private sector, and creative communities.
Through this participation, UI Vocational hopes to expand its international network and encourage more student innovation for a sustainable future. This momentum also reinforces UI’s commitment to supporting the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.
