About Universitas Nasional

{ ICETISI 2025 }

Universitas Nasional (hereinafter referred to as UNAS) is the oldest private university in Jakarta and the second oldest in Indonesia. It was founded on October 15, 1949, by prominent figures united under the Association for the Advancement of Science and Culture (PMIK). At that time, the establishment of UNAS was intended to accommodate high school graduates in Jakarta who did not wish to enter the Van Indonesia University owned by the Dutch Colonial Government. Even amidst the physical revolution for independence, UNAS also became the “frontline stronghold” of the Indonesian people’s struggle in Jakarta. For this dedication, during the second UNAS lustrum in 1959, the First President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Soekarno, bestowed the title “UNIVERSITY OF STRUGGLE” upon it.

Thousands of UNAS alumni have made their mark in various fields, such as politicians, government officials, scientists, researchers, business professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs. Some of them have risen to become national figures. In the era of the last three presidents, UNAS alumni have consistently served as ministers, with the most recent being H. Syaifullah Yusuf, S.IP, who served as the Minister of State for the Acceleration of Development of Disadvantaged Regions and was the youngest minister in the United Indonesia Cabinet. An alumnus who became an expert in diplomacy and once served as Foreign Minister is Mochtar Kusumaatmadja. Another alumnus who served as the Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia is Hadi Wayarabi. The first Doctor of Political Science in Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Deliar Noer, is also an alumnus. Alumni who have become experts in biology include Dr. Endang Suhara, APU, and Dr. M. Kasim Moosa, APU. Dr. Syarif Hidayat, APU, and Syamsuddin Haris, M.Si, APU, are alumni who have served as expert researchers at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences. Some alumni have become legendary artists and comedians, such as Ateng, Jimmy Gideon, and Unang, along with many other prominent figures.