IPB University Becomes the First Campus to Host Upstream Youth Champs 2026, Encouraging Students to Learn About the Energy Industry
IPB University is the first campus in the Upstream Youth Champs 2026 series, a collaborative program between Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE) and Games of Society (GOS) that invites students to learn more about the upstream oil and gas industry and the opportunities for the younger generation to contribute to the energy sector.
Puji Mudiana, SP, MA, Director of Career Development, Entrepreneurship, and Alumni Relations at IPB University, welcomed the selection of IPB as the kick off location for the program, which carries the theme “Unlocking Potential, Driving Energy.” According to her, the energy sector requires a multidisciplinary approach so that students from various fields have the opportunity to contribute.
“All industrial sectors demand that issues across various fields be approached in an interdisciplinary manner. Therefore, every academic discipline needs to interact with one another and break down the barriers between their respective fields,” she stated during the event.
She also noted that the collaboration between PHE and GOS presents an opportunity for students to understand that careers in the energy industry are not limited to engineering graduates. According to him, the experience and academic backgrounds of IPB University students can serve as a foundation for contributing across various industrial sectors.
“So, once again, with an interdisciplinary approach, many fields will emerge that we might never have imagined. Students majoring in KPM (Communication and Community Development) or KPM alumni can go on to build successful careers and excel in the upstream energy sector,” she said.
Fitri Erika, Senior Manager of External Communication and Stakeholder Relations at Pertamina Hulu Energi, stated that university involvement is a crucial component in establishing a link and match between industry needs and the readiness of young talent.
“We must also recognize the link and match between corporate needs and the fact that universities require a platform for dialogue regarding these needs,” said Fitri Erika.
She explained that PHE requires talent from diverse backgrounds because energy industry operations face a wide range of challenges. In addition to academic skills, students must also possess the ability to adapt to change.
Daud Novel Leonardo, CEO and Co-Founder of Games of Society (GOS), explained that GOS helps PHE bring issues in the upstream energy sector closer to young people through a digital ecosystem and campus activities.
“How do we help PHE get closer to young people through our digital ecosystem as well as other approaches, such as campus roadshows?” he said.
Meanwhile, content creator Vina Muliana encouraged students to start preparing themselves while still in college. She shared her roughly 12 years of experience in the fields of communications and human resources and highlighted the importance of building personal capital to navigate the professional world.
“How can you navigate the next four years and build up your personal capital so that you’ll be better prepared upon graduation and able to contribute to the nation?” said Fina.
Following the event at IPB University, Upstream Youth Champs 2026 will continue to 19 other campuses across various regions of Indonesia through November 2026. This program is expected to serve as a platform for students to learn about the upstream oil and gas industry while exploring opportunities to contribute from various academic disciplines. (Ez) (IAAS/LAN)
