SBM ITB Closes GPBL 2026 in Ciamis: Cross-Country Collaboration, Real Solutions for Villages

SBM ITB has officially closed Global Project-Based Learning (GPBL) 2026 in Ciamis. The collaborative program between the School of Business and Management at Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), and Universitas Galuh became a platform for students to go directly into villages, observe real issues, and formulate solutions.

Ten student groups from various universities had previously visited villages in Ciamis Regency, West Java. They explored a range of issues, from the potential of nutmeg and coffee to various socio-economic challenges faced by local communities.

Ten Student Groups Present Solutions for Ciamis Villages
During the presentation session, each student group shared the observations and solutions they had developed during GPBL 2026. Several groups received awards for having the most thoughtful insights and solutions.

The program emphasized not only final results but also the project-based learning process. Students were encouraged to understand real on-the-ground contexts, not just classroom theory.

Environmental Sustainability as the Foundation for Village Economic Development
At the closing ceremony, forestry management expert Andang Priadi emphasized that environmental sustainability must be the foundation for developing village economic activities. According to him, economic solutions designed by students must provide tangible benefits for residents.

“If the original habitat is destroyed, what will they eat? When people design economic prototypes at the village level, there must be benefits for the villagers,” Andang said.

Andang also discussed the development of the Mount Sawal area, the highest mountain and forest in Ciamis. He explained that the area has long supported the livelihoods of the surrounding community.

“Many economic activities are related to cultivation on the mountain slopes. Coffee and sugar palm are grown there, and several locations have also been developed as tourist destinations. These are all empirical conditions of Mount Sawal, how economic activity aligns with observations while still complying with existing spatial plans and regulations,” he explained.

Quality, Not Just Quantity
Universitas Galuh lecturer Kornel Soemardi emphasized that the program’s goal is not just quantity, but also quality. According to him, the biggest learning experience emerges when participants return to their respective locations and discuss the program.

“The biggest learning experience is when participants return to their respective locations and discuss the program,” Kornel said.

Closing of GPBL 2026 and Hopes for Collaboration
The official event closed with an awards ceremony and a joint documentation session. Through the GPBL 2026 program, collaboration between universities is expected to strengthen institutional relationships, provide valuable learning for participants, and deliver insights and tangible contributions to villages.