VOKASI NEWS – Following the successful completion of the ASEEC Tower, the University of Airlangga continues its efforts to develop infrastructure to support its academic community. Plaza Airlangga is conceived as a space for alumni and the academic community of the University of Airlangga to come together and foster collaboration. It is hoped that this building’s presence will be a tangible contribution to the broader community. Thus, Plaza Unair is envisioned as a facility with significant benefits for the general public.
Plaza Airlangga is a multifunctional complex encompassing economic, social, and healthcare facilities. The construction of this plaza has now entered its initial phase, marked by the ground-breaking ceremony at the Plaza Airlangga development site, located west of the Airlangga Convention Center (ACC) on the MERR-C Campus. The building is projected to be completed by December 31, 2023, and is expected to be operational by mid-2024.
Khofifah Indar Parawansa, the Governor of East Java and Chairman of the University of Airlangga Alumni Association (IKA Unair), participated in the Wall Raising Ceremony for the Plaza Airlangga construction at Campus C Hall on September 15, 2023. As an expression of gratitude for the Plaza Airlangga project, Governor Khofifah also shared in a ceremonial rice cone-cutting with Unair’s Rector, Moh. Nasih, and his team.
Governor Khofifah not only inaugurated the project but also personally inspected the construction process of Plaza Airlangga. The building is designed to have 5.5 floors and a total floor area of 5,530 square meters. Plaza Airlangga’s arrival will transform it into a hub for shopping, start-up development, office spaces, and healthcare services that will benefit the surrounding community. The facility is not limited to the Unair academic community; it is open for contributions from private entities, the government, and the broader public.
The Development Reflects Commitment from All Stakeholders
Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih, SE, MT, Ak, stated that the construction of Plaza Airlangga is a tangible expression of the commitment to support all stakeholders. It will eventually house a business center, healthcare services, and workspace that can be utilized by anyone for collaborative purposes,” Prof. Nasih said on September 19, 2023.
Prof. Nasih also mentioned that Plaza Surabaya is a result of collaborative efforts from various parties, including Unair alumni. Therefore, he expressed his gratitude for the continuous support and assistance that has never ceased to flow. Khofifah Indar Prawansa also emphasized that the groundbreaking event for Plaza Airlangga serves as an occasion for fostering camaraderie. She hopes that this moment can strengthen the mutual understanding and trust between Unair and its alumni.
“Today, we are coming together to connect our programs and thoughts, so that our mutual understanding and trust can flourish,” Khofifah said.
Governor Khofifah is highly optimistic about the existence of Plaza Airlangga, which serves as a hub for various stakeholders aligned with the five pillars of the pentahelix concept. Khofifah also stated that Unair’s contribution to the nation’s development is significant. The establishment of the Plaza Airlangga building will be a substantial contribution by Unair to the people of East Java and Indonesia as a whole.
“This means that Unair’s contribution is in great demand, not only as an intellectual reference but also in psycho-social and sociological aspects. For instance, to assess the outcomes following the implementation of this plaza’s infrastructure for the community,” Khofifah explained.
According to Khofifah, the presence of Plaza Airlangga aligns with the Jatim Berdaya program under Nawa Bhakti Satya, which focuses on developing community-based micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (UMKM). Unair is now contributing not only to education and human resource development but also to strengthening the grassroots economy.
Governor Khofifah also expressed her hope for the swift completion and operation of the construction, ensuring that the entire community can benefit on a broad scale and that it is well-received by the entire Indonesian population, particularly those in East Java.
Author : Ninda Areza Arisanty
Supervisor : Angkita Wasitao Kirana
Editor: Muhammad Duiqi Alfiansyah (Branding Team Faculty of Vocational Airlangga University)
