History of BINUS UNIVERSITY
The journey of Bina Nusantara University (BINUS University) began on October 21, 1974, with a short-term computer education course named the Modern Computer Course (MCC). Established at a time when computer education was still relatively new in Indonesia, MCC grew rapidly through a strong commitment to education, technology, and continuous development.
As the demand for computer education increased, on July 1, 1981, Modern Computer Course evolved into Akademi Teknik Komputer (ATK), or Computer Technical Academy, with Informatics Management as its first major. This date later became an important milestone in the BINUS journey and is commemorated as BINUS’ anniversary.
ATK obtained its registered status on July 13, 1984. A year later, on July 1, 1985, the institution became AMIK Jakarta, before adopting the name AMIK Bina Nusantara on September 21, 1985.
In a significant early achievement, AMIK Bina Nusantara was recognized as the Best Computer Academy by the Ministry of Education and Culture through the Higher Education Board District III on March 17, 1986.
Responding to the growing need for professionals in information technology, Sekolah Tinggi Manajemen Informatika dan Komputer (STMIK) Bina Nusantara, or the Institute of Information Management and Computer Science Bina Nusantara, was established on July 1, 1986, offering undergraduate education in computing-related fields.
On November 9, 1987, AMIK Bina Nusantara and STMIK Bina Nusantara were merged, bringing Diploma (D-3) and Undergraduate (S-1) education together within one institution.
Another important milestone followed on March 18, 1992, when STMIK Bina Nusantara obtained the Disamakan (Equalized) status for all its majors and levels, an important academic recognition within Indonesia’s higher education system at the time.
Continuing its academic development, STMIK Bina Nusantara opened the first Master’s Program (S-2) in Information Systems Management in Indonesia, which was officially registered on May 10, 1993.
Becoming BINUS University (1996–2006)
After more than two decades of development, Universitas Bina Nusantara (UBINUS) was officially established on August 8, 1996, marking BINUS’ transformation into a comprehensive university.
On December 20, 1998, STMIK Bina Nusantara was officially integrated into Universitas Bina Nusantara.
At the time, the University comprised:
- Faculty of Computer Science
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Literature
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MIPA)
- Master’s Program in Information Systems Management
This transformation enabled BINUS to broaden its academic disciplines while building upon its strong foundation in technology and computing.
Broadening Academic Excellence (2007–2011)
As the needs of society and industry continued to evolve, BINUS expanded into new areas of study.
On April 20, 2007, BINUS University established the Faculty of Psychology and the Faculty of Communication & Multimedia, further strengthening its multidisciplinary approach to education.
A new organizational structure was implemented on August 19, 2008, resulting in several changes:
- Faculty of Technical Science became the Faculty of Science and Technology
- Faculty of Economy became the Faculty of Business & Economy
- Faculty of Literature became the Faculty of Language and Culture
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences was integrated into the Faculty of Science and Technology
BINUS also continued to strengthen postgraduate education. On August 31, 2009, the University officially introduced the Master’s Program in Informatics Engineering (Magister Teknik Informatika).
On September 7, 2011, another organizational transformation took place to strengthen academic specialization and respond to developments across different fields.
Among the major changes were:
- Faculty of Economics and Business became the Faculty of Economics and Communication
- Faculty of Psychology and Faculty of Language & Culture were integrated into the Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Science and Technology became the Faculty of Engineering
- Information Technology developed into the School of Computer Science
- Information Systems developed into the School of Information Systems
- Management developed into the School of Business Management
- Faculty of Communication & Multimedia became the School of Design
- Accounting developed into the School of Accounting and Finance
Graduate programs were also consolidated under the BINUS Graduate Program, supporting the continued development of Master’s and Doctoral education.
National Expansion and Digital Transformation (2011–2020)
As BINUS University continued to grow, it entered a new phase of expansion, bringing its educational experience closer to communities beyond its established campuses in Jakarta.
BINUS @Alam Sutera marked an important step in this journey. BINUS first established a Bridging Campus in Alam Sutera in September 2011, expanding access to students in Tangerang and the surrounding areas.
As the community continued to grow, development of the Main Campus followed, and the BINUS @Alam Sutera Main Campus commenced operations in September 2014. The campus strengthened BINUS’ learning ecosystem through an environment designed to encourage collaboration across technology, creativity, business, and other disciplines.
In 2016, BINUS further expanded its presence to Bekasi and Malang.
BINUS @Bekasi was introduced through a soft launch on April 21, 2016. Regular undergraduate programs welcomed their first students in September 2016, extending BINUS’ contribution to one of Indonesia’s major business, industrial, and urban growth areas.
In the same year, BINUS @Malang was officially launched on August 3, 2016, with regular undergraduate learning commencing shortly thereafter. BINUS @Malang developed with a strong emphasis on technology, entrepreneurship, and the development of future Digital Technopreneurs.
BINUS continued its expansion with BINUS @Bandung, officially launched in September 2017. Located in one of Indonesia’s leading creative cities, BINUS @Bandung was developed around the convergence of creativity and technology, supporting future talent capable of contributing to the creative and digital economy.
Alongside its geographical expansion, BINUS continued to strengthen experiential education through the Enrichment Program, providing students with opportunities to gain meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom through industry, entrepreneurship, research, community development, study abroad, and other pathways.
This approach strengthened the connection between academic learning and the real-world competencies required by industry and society.
Expanding Access Across the Nation (2020–2025)
BINUS’ commitment to expanding access to quality education continued into Central Java and Sumatra.
The journey of BINUS @Semarang began with the groundbreaking of its campus development in 2020.
In October 2021, BINUS University received official approval to open study programs outside its Main Campus in Semarang. This milestone was followed by the Grand Launching of BINUS @Semarang on August 18, 2022, strengthening BINUS’ contribution to the development of future-ready talent and supporting the growth of industry and society in Central Java.
BINUS then continued its national expansion to Sumatra.
The presence of BINUS @Medan began with the opening of the BINUS Learning Community and Admission Center at DeliPark Mall on November 25, 2024, marking BINUS’ first major step toward establishing its higher education presence in the region.
On August 8, 2025, BINUS @Medan was officially launched as BINUS University’s first campus in Sumatra.
Positioned as the Home of Global DigitalPreneur Generation, BINUS @Medan was established to nurture globally minded digital entrepreneurs and innovators while responding to the growing potential of technology, business, international trade, and the creative industries in Sumatra.
Through these expansions, BINUS University has continued to bring globally connected education closer to communities across Indonesia while strengthening collaboration with industry, government, international partners, and society.
Strengthening Global Recognition
Alongside its national expansion, BINUS University continued to strengthen its international presence through education, research, innovation, industry collaboration, and global engagement.
In 2025, BINUS University achieved the #851–900 position in the QS World University Rankings 2026, =165 in Asia, and #1 Private University in Indonesia, strengthening its position among globally recognized universities and as one of Indonesia’s leading private higher education institutions.
This recognition reflects BINUS’ continuous commitment to improving academic quality, global collaboration, employability, research, innovation, and societal impact.
45 Years of BINUS: Co-Creating the Intelligent Society (2026)
In 2026, BINUS celebrates 45 years of its journey, commemorating the milestone that began with the establishment of Akademi Teknik Komputer (ATK) on July 1, 1981.
The celebration carries the spirit of “Co-Creating the Intelligent Society.”
The 45th anniversary represents more than institutional growth. It reflects BINUS’ continuing commitment to working together with students, alumni, faculty members, industry, government, international partners, and communities to create meaningful and sustainable impact.
From its roots in computer education, BINUS has evolved into a comprehensive university with a growing presence across Indonesia while maintaining technology, innovation, collaboration, and societal impact as important parts of its journey.
This milestone also reinforces BINUS’ commitment to continue fostering and empowering society while preparing future generations to navigate an increasingly intelligent and interconnected world.
Looking Ahead
Today, BINUS University continues to pursue its vision:
“A World-class university, fostering and empowering the society in building and serving the nation.”
Guided by its SPIRIT values — Striving for Excellence, Perseverance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork — BINUS continues to advance education, research, innovation, global engagement, employability, and meaningful contribution to society.
From a computer course established in 1974, to the establishment of ATK in 1981, the birth of BINUS University in 1996, and its continued expansion across Indonesia, every milestone represents the same enduring commitment: to provide education that empowers people and contributes to a better Nusantara.
As BINUS enters its next chapter, it remains committed to Co-Creating the Intelligent Society — bringing together people, knowledge, technology, and collaboration to create meaningful impact for Indonesia and the world.
Throughout its history, BINUS University has been led by distinguished Rectors whose leadership, vision, and dedication have contributed significantly to the University’s continuous growth and development. Each Rector has played an important role in advancing BINUS’ commitment to education, research, innovation, global engagement, and societal 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)
