Universitas Nusa Mandiri Student Showcases Creative Excellence in Digital Poster Design at Peksimida DKI Jakarta 2026
The landscape of Indonesian higher education continues to evolve, merging traditional academic rigor with the burgeoning demands of the creative economy, as evidenced by the recent participation of Dini Fitriyah Herti in the Pekan Seni Mahasiswa Daerah (Peksimida) DKI Jakarta 2026. On Thursday, July 16, 2026, the campus of Universitas Gunadarma in Depok became a hub of artistic innovation, hosting the prestigious regional art competition. Dini, a dedicated student from the Data Science Study Program at Universitas Nusa Mandiri (UNM), represented her institution—widely known as a "Digital Business Campus"—in a milestone event that marked the official introduction of the Digital Poster Design category at the provincial level.
The inclusion of Digital Poster Design in the 2026 Peksimida circuit represents a significant shift in the recognition of digital arts within the Indonesian student community. Historically, Peksimida and its national counterpart, Peksiminas (Pekan Seni Mahasiswa Nasional), have focused on traditional disciplines such as vocal performance, literature, and fine arts. However, acknowledging the rapid digitalization of the global economy and the vital role of visual communication in the 21st century, the organizers expanded the roster to include digital-native categories. This move aligns with the Indonesian government’s broader initiative to foster a "Golden Generation" by 2045, emphasizing both technological literacy and creative problem-solving.
The Chronology of Competition Day
The competition commenced promptly at 09:00 WIB at Building 7, Campus D of Universitas Gunadarma. The atmosphere was one of focused intensity as 15 selected representatives from various prestigious universities across Jakarta gathered to demonstrate their prowess. Unlike traditional art competitions where themes might be disclosed in advance, Peksimida 2026 utilized a "spin wheel" mechanism to ensure spontaneity and test the participants’ ability to think critically under pressure.
As the wheel turned, the tension in the room was palpable. The needle eventually landed on a theme that required both empathy and strategic thinking: "Mendorong Terciptanya Kehidupan yang Lebih Berkualitas" (Encouraging the Creation of a Higher Quality of Life). This theme was intentionally broad, challenging the students to narrow their focus to a specific, actionable social or health issue that could be communicated effectively through a single visual frame.
Participants were granted a six-hour window, including a 45-minute break, to conceptualize, draft, and finalize their designs. This strict timeline mirrored the high-pressure environment of the professional creative industry, where digital artists and marketing specialists are often required to deliver high-quality content within tight deadlines. For Dini, the clock was both a challenge and a catalyst for her creative process.
Merging Science and Art: The Concept of Quality Sleep
Dini Fitriyah Herti’s approach to the theme was uniquely informed by her background in Data Science. Rather than opting for a generic representation of "quality of life," she looked toward wellness and health optimization—areas increasingly scrutinized by data analysts in the healthcare sector. Her final work, titled "Investasi Besok Pagi Dimulai dari Malam Ini" (Tomorrow Morning’s Investment Starts Tonight), addressed the pervasive issue of sleep deprivation in modern urban society.
The poster’s core message centered on the importance of sleep hygiene as the foundation of productivity and long-term health. Dini utilized her design to advocate for a natural solution: the use of catnip leaves (Nepeta cataria) as a herbal tea to improve sleep quality. While catnip is often associated with feline behavior, its history as a mild sedative and stress-reliever for humans provided a scientifically grounded focal point for her creative work.
To execute her vision, Dini employed a hybrid digital toolkit, utilizing ibis Paint X for the initial illustrative elements and Canva for the final layout and typography. This combination allowed her to blend custom artistic flourishes with clean, professional graphic design principles. The result was a visual narrative that was both aesthetically pleasing and highly communicative, fulfilling the primary criteria of the judging panel.
The Professional Evaluation and Technical Rigor
The submissions were evaluated by a panel of three professional judges, each bringing expertise from different sectors of the creative and academic industries. The criteria for the Digital Poster Design category were multifaceted, focusing not only on technical execution and software proficiency but also on the strength of the underlying concept, the clarity of the message, and the originality of the visual metaphors used.
In her post-competition reflections, Dini emphasized that technical skill alone is insufficient in such a competitive arena. "My preparation involved a lot of strengthening the theory and concepts of design before the day of execution," she explained. "With a mature concept, ideas are much easier to translate into communicative visuals." This sentiment highlights a growing trend in digital arts education, where the "why" of a design is considered just as important as the "how."
The judges noted that the "Quality of Life" theme was particularly demanding because it required students to transcend superficial imagery. Dini’s choice to focus on sleep hygiene was viewed as a sophisticated interpretation of the theme, as it addressed a root cause of many societal health challenges, including mental health struggles and decreased economic productivity.
Institutional Support and the Digital Business Philosophy
Universitas Nusa Mandiri’s support for Dini’s participation reflects its institutional commitment to holistic student development. As a "Digital Business Campus," UNM has positioned itself at the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship. Taopik Hidayat, the Student Affairs Coordinator at UNM, expressed his pride in the university’s representatives who dared to step onto the regional and national stage.
"The participation of our students in Peksimida shows that UNM students are not only academically excellent but also capable of competing in the realm of digital creativity," Hidayat stated. He further elaborated that the university views these competitions as essential laboratories for character building. Participation fosters adaptability, resilience, and the ability to network with peers from other institutions—skills that are invaluable in the modern professional landscape.
UNM’s strategy involves more than just sending students to events; it encompasses a broader ecosystem of support, including research opportunities, talent development programs, and a curriculum that encourages interdisciplinary thinking. By supporting a Data Science student in an art competition, the university demonstrates its understanding that the future of work is increasingly fluid, where data literacy and creative communication are inextricably linked.
Broader Implications for the Creative Economy
The debut of the Digital Poster category at Peksimida DKI Jakarta 2026 is a microcosm of the larger economic shifts occurring in Indonesia. According to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf), the creative sector has consistently been a significant contributor to the national GDP. In the mid-2020s, the digital sub-sectors, including graphic design, animation, and digital advertising, have seen accelerated growth.
Competitions like Peksimida serve as a talent pipeline for this industry. By providing a platform for students to showcase their work, the event bridges the gap between the classroom and the professional world. The 15 participants in the Digital Poster category represent the next generation of creative directors, UI/UX designers, and communication strategists who will drive Indonesia’s digital transformation.
Furthermore, the focus on "Quality of Life" in the 2026 competition reflects a societal shift toward wellness and sustainable living. As Indonesia grapples with the challenges of urbanization and the mental toll of the digital age, the role of artists and designers in promoting healthy lifestyles becomes crucial. Dini’s poster on sleep hygiene is a prime example of how creative work can serve as a tool for public health advocacy.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
As of late July 2026, the participants of the Peksimida Digital Poster Design category are awaiting the official results from the board of judges. The winners of this regional selection will earn the honor of representing DKI Jakarta at the National Student Art Week (Peksiminas), where they will face the top creative talents from across the Indonesian archipelago.
Regardless of the final ranking, Dini Fitriyah Herti’s journey serves as an inspiring case study for students nationwide. Her ability to synthesize scientific knowledge with digital artistry, all while under the pressure of a timed competition, exemplifies the "can-do" spirit of the modern Indonesian student.
The success of the event at Universitas Gunadarma also sets a high standard for future iterations of Peksimida. By embracing digital formats and contemporary themes, the competition remains relevant to a generation of "digital natives" who see the screen as their primary canvas. For Universitas Nusa Mandiri, Dini’s participation is a validation of their mission to produce graduates who are not only technically proficient but also socially conscious and creatively bold.
As the creative industry continues to expand, the intersection of data, technology, and art will undoubtedly produce more innovative solutions to society’s most pressing problems. The story of a Data Science student designing a poster for better sleep is just the beginning of a new era in Indonesian student excellence, where boundaries between disciplines are blurred in favor of impactful, visual storytelling.
