“1958. Jakarta. A city on the cusp of transformation,” our guide began, his voice echoing slightly in the humid air. “Right here, the seeds of Universitas Jayabaya were sown.” He gestured towards the university buildings. Universitas Jayabaya. A name synonymous with education and opportunity in Indonesia. Officially established on October 5, 1958, by the Jayabaya Foundation, the university’s story is one of resilience and growth. The founders, Moeslim Taher and Yuyun Moeslim Taher, envisioned a place where young minds could flourish.
Initially, Universitas Jayabaya began with just two faculties. These were the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Economics. A mere eleven students comprised the entire student body. Professor Mr. A.A. Hakim served as the first rector, also holding the position of Dean of the Faculty of Law. Imagine those early days. A handful of students, dedicated professors, and the shared dream of building a future through education. Classes were held in borrowed rooms at a private school on Jalan Salemba Raya. They used the space during the evenings, after the school day ended. For four years, they persevered under these challenging conditions, even relying on candlelight and later, petromax lamps, for illumination.
The university’s administration also faced similar hardships. For three years, they operated without a dedicated office space, finally securing a room at SMP “UTAMA” in 1961. Universitas Jayabaya continued to expand. In 1961, the Akademi Kepemimpinan Niaga Jayabaya (AKN) was established, later becoming the Akademi Manajemen Perusahaan (AMP) Jayabaya. The following year, 1962, saw the addition of the Faculty of Social Science and Political Science and the Akademi Akuntansi Jayabaya, the first private accounting academy in Indonesia. Further growth occurred in 1971 with the establishment of the Faculty of Engineering, which eventually branched into the Faculty of Industrial Technology and the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Planning.
Over the years, Universitas Jayabaya added more faculties, programs, and campuses, solidifying its position as a prominent institution in Indonesia. From its humble beginnings with eleven students, it has grown to encompass a diverse range of disciplines and thousands of graduates. As you stand here, before Universitas Jayabaya, remember its journey. It stands as a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and a commitment to education.