The journey of Bina Nusantara University (BINUS) began on October 21, 1974, from a short-term course named the Modern Computer Course. The course grew rapidly due to its strong foundation and visionary approach to education and technology.

History of BINUS UNIVERSITY

As demand for computer education increased, on July 1, 1981, the Modern Computer Course evolved into the Akademi Teknik Komputer (ATK) or Computer Technical Academy, with Informatics Management as its first major.

The ATK was officially registered on July 13, 1984, and a year later, on July 1, 1985, the institution changed its name to AMIK Jakarta. On September 21, 1985, it was renamed AMIK Bina Nusantara.

In a remarkable milestone, AMIK Bina Nusantara was recognized as the Best Computer Academy by the Ministry of Education and Culture (Higher Education Board District III) on March 17, 1986. Responding to the growing need for professional workers in the IT field, AMIK was upgraded to Sekolah Tinggi Manajemen Informatika dan Komputer (STMIK) or Institute of Information Management and Computer Science on July 1, 1986.

A year later, on November 9, 1987, AMIK Bina Nusantara merged with STMIK Bina Nusantara, offering both Diploma (D-3) and Undergraduate (S-1) programs. On March 18, 1992, STMIK Bina Nusantara obtained Disamakan (Equalized) accreditation status for all majors and levels, a prestigious recognition at the time.

Further strengthening its academic portfolio, STMIK Bina Nusantara opened the first Master’s Program (S-2) in Information System Management in Indonesia on May 10, 1993.

Becoming BINUS University (1996–2006)

After more than two decades of growth, Bina Nusantara University (UBINUS) was officially established on August 8, 1996. Later, on December 20, 1998, STMIK Bina Nusantara was integrated into the university structure.

At that time, the university consisted of:

  • Faculty of Computer Science
  • Faculty of Economics
  • Faculty of Engineering
  • Faculty of Literature
  • Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MIPA)
  • and the Master’s Program in Information Systems Management.

BINUS continued expanding its academic scope to meet the evolving needs of society. On April 20, 2007, the university established the Faculty of Psychology and the Faculty of Communication & Multimedia, marking its transition toward multidisciplinary education.

Restructuring and Integration (2008–2011)

A new organizational structure was implemented on August 19, 2008, resulting in several name changes:

  • Faculty of Technical Science → Faculty of Science and Technology
  • Faculty of Economy → Faculty of Business & Economy
  • Faculty of Literature → Faculty of Language and Culture
  • Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences merged into the Faculty of Science and Technology

BINUS also expanded its graduate studies, launching the Master’s Program in Informatics Engineering (Magister Teknik Informatika) on August 31, 2009.

On September 7, 2011, another structural reorganization occurred, creating specialized Schools to strengthen BINUS’ academic identity:

  • Faculty of Economics and Business → Faculty of Economics and Communication
  • Faculty of Psychology + Faculty of Language & Culture → Faculty of Humanities
  • Faculty of Science and Technology → Faculty of Engineering
  • Information Technology → School of Computer Science
  • Information Systems → School of Information Systems
  • Management → School of Business Management
  • Faculty of Communication & Multimedia → School of Design
  • Accounting → School of Accounting and Finance
  • The BINUS Graduate Program expanded to include Master’s and Doctoral programs in Management and Informatics.

National Expansion and Digital Transformation (2011–2020)

BINUS entered a new phase of growth by expanding its campuses beyond Jakarta to reach more students across Indonesia:

  • BINUS @Alam Sutera (2011) — focused on Creative Technology and Design.
  • BINUS @Bekasi (2014) — serving the Business, “Service” dan “Technology” 
  • BINUS @Bandung (2016) — emphasizing Creative and Technology Education.
  • BINUS @Malang (2018) — known as the Digital Technopreneur Campus.
  • BINUS @Semarang (2020) — supporting the 4.0 Industry of Central Java.

During this decade, BINUS also launched transformative programs, such as the Enrichment Program (2+1+1) and the 2.5-Year Career-Ready Track, ensuring that students gain real-world experience before graduation.
 By the end of this era, BINUS had established partnerships with over 2,200 industry partners and a global network of 170 universities across 40 countries.

Empowering the Nation through Education (2021–2025)

The years 2021–2025 marked BINUS’ transformation into a truly national and global university.

  • BINUS @Medan was established as the newest campus (2021), positioning itself as a Global DigitalPreneur Hub.
  • BINUS strengthened its AI Transformation through new programs in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Actuarial Science, Digital Communication, and Creative Business.
  • In 2024, BINUS celebrated its 45th Anniversary with the theme Fostering and Empowering for a Greater Nusantara.
  • By 2025, BINUS was recognized as the #1 Private University in Indonesia (QS World University Rankings 2026), solidifying its position as a leading institution fostering innovation, digital excellence, and global collaboration.

History of BINUS UNIVERSITY

Looking Ahead

Today, Bina Nusantara University continues its mission to Foster and Empower the Society to Build and Serve the Nation, staying true to its SPIRIT values: Striving for Excellence, Perseverance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork.

From a humble computer course in 1974 to a world-class university with campuses across Indonesia, BINUS remains committed to nurturing future-ready talent and shaping a better, smarter, and more connected Indonesia.

Throughout its history, BINUS University has been led by distinguished Rectors whose leadership, vision, and dedication have significantly contributed to the University’s continuous growth and excellence. Each Rector has upheld the values and mission of BINUS University in advancing education, research, and community impact.

Dr. Ir. Th. Theresia Widia Soerjaningsih, M.M. (1974–2004)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prof. Dr. Gerardus Polla, M.App.Sc. (2005–2009)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prof. Dr. Ir. Harjanto Prabowo, M.M. (2009–2023)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Nelly, S.Kom., M.M. (2023–2028)