About Sampoerna University

Universitas Siswa Bangsa Internasional (USBI), now operating as Sampoerna University, is an international-education institution in Jakarta. It offers English-medium education and a multicultural, bilingual campus environment. Its programs and partnerships focus on areas including business, engineering, and technology, and the university promotes academic exchange, leadership, social responsibility, and entrepreneurship.

History

Sampoerna University was established in 2012 as USBI through a collaboration between the Sampoerna Foundation and Laureate International Universities. It was founded with a vision of providing internationally oriented, English-medium education and gained recognition for its academic partnerships.

In 2015, the Sampoerna Foundation assumed full management and rebranded USBI as Sampoerna University. The university introduced dual-degree programs with the University of Arizona, allowing students to earn Indonesian and U.S. degrees on campus.

The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Its programs are nationally accredited by Indonesia’s Ministry of Education and internationally recognized through global partnerships.

What to See

The L’Avenue Campus

Sampoerna University’s L’Avenue Campus includes:

Modern classrooms, libraries, and laboratories designed for collaborative learning.
Digital resources, study lounges, and green spaces.
Art, media, and technology studios.
Sports facilities, including soccer, volleyball, and badminton courts.
A student-run café and a spacious canteen, listed as under development.
Bilingual signage and accessible pathways.

Campus life includes student organizations, cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and music performances. Visitors may also be able to attend open classes or student events.

Cultural and Creative Life

The university’s multicultural environment reflects Jakarta’s diversity. The Betawi people are the city’s indigenous community, and English is widely used in educational and business settings. The campus vicinity offers Betawi specialties and international cuisine. Nearby Kemang is known for its cosmopolitan dining and arts scene and is frequented by students and expatriates.

The campus’s proximity to places such as Taman Ismail Marzuki and Kemang also gives visitors access to Jakarta’s creative scene.

Visiting Information

Location and Access

The L’Avenue Campus is at Jl. Raya Pasar Minggu Kav. 16, Pancoran, South Jakarta. It is accessible by TransJakarta buses and the Jakarta MRT. The campus is approximately a 30-minute drive from the city center, subject to traffic.

Hours, Tours, and Admission

Campus visiting hours Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Closures The campus is closed to general visitors on weekends and public holidays.
Admission General campus access is free.
Tours Guided tours are available by prior arrangement. They cover campus facilities, academic programs, and student life. Advance booking is strongly recommended; tours can be arranged via the Sampoerna University website.

An interactive campus map and virtual tour are available on the official Sampoerna University website. The university’s site is also given as the destination for the Audiala app, which is described as providing live updates, event notifications, and personalized recommendations. Visitors can follow Sampoerna University on social media for updates on campus events and educational programs.

Accommodation

Nearby accommodation options include Hotel Borobudur Jakarta and Kosenda Hotel.

Tips and Practical Considerations

Dress modestly, particularly on campus and at religious sites.
Ask permission before photographing students or staff.
Be polite and respectful of local customs and religious traditions.
Indonesia has a Muslim-majority population. Visitors may encounter the call to prayer and changes to daily routines during Ramadan, as well as Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Confucian holidays.
Jakarta’s public transport network includes TransJakarta buses, commuter trains, and the MRT. Ride-hailing services such as Gojek and Grab are widely used.
Traffic congestion can affect travel times.
Jakarta’s tropical climate brings high humidity and rain from November to March; bring an umbrella.
Tap water is not potable; use bottled water.
Standard urban safety precautions apply.

Nearby Places

Monas (National Monument)

Location Merdeka Square, Central Jakarta, approximately 15 km from USBI.
Hours Daily, 8:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Tickets The park is free to enter; observation deck tickets cost approximately IDR 15,000.
Highlights The 132-meter monument symbolizes independence. It features a gold-coated flame and a 360° observation deck. Guided tours are available.
Accessibility Wheelchair accessible.
Information National Monument (Monas) visiting guide, Monas Official Tourism Site, and Monas Official Tourism Site.

Kota Tua (Old Town Batavia)

Location West Jakarta, approximately 10 km north of USBI.
Hours Museums are open 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; the public square is open at all hours.
Tickets Entry to Fatahillah Square is free; museums charge IDR 5,000–20,000.
Highlights Dutch colonial architecture, museums, and lively public spaces.
Accessibility Outdoor areas are accessible, but some older buildings may not be fully wheelchair accessible.
Information Kota Tua Jakarta.

National Museum of Indonesia

Location Central Jakarta, near Monas.
Hours Tuesday–Sunday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Mondays.
Tickets IDR 5,000 for Indonesians and IDR 10,000 for foreigners.
Highlights More than 140,000 artifacts, including ethnographic and historical collections.
Accessibility Ramps and elevators are available.
Information National Museum Indonesia.

Other Attractions

Jalan Haji Agus Salim Known for its vibrant street-food scene.
Ancol Dreamland Waterfront theme parks and an aquarium; Ancol Dreamland.
Thousand Islands Beach getaways accessible by boat from Ancol Marina.
Menteng District Art deco buildings, markets, and galleries.
Safari Zoo Puncak A conservation zoo with day and night safaris; Safari Zoo Puncak.
Religious sites Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta Cathedral, Vihara Dharma Bhakti, and Pura Aditya Jaya.
Shopping Tanah Abang Market, Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia, and Menteng Flea Market.
Kemang District A hotspot for expatriates, arts, cafés, and nightlife.

Further Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Sampoerna University’s visiting hours?
Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. The campus is closed to general visitors on weekends and public holidays. Guided tours should be booked in advance.

Is there an entrance fee to visit the university?
No. General campus access is free.

What languages are used on campus?
English is the primary medium of instruction; staff also speak Indonesian.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, by appointment through the university’s official website.

What are Monas’s visiting hours and ticket prices?
Monas is open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The park is free to enter, and an observation deck ticket costs approximately IDR 15,000.

How can I reach the main attractions from Sampoerna University?
TransJakarta, the MRT, and ride-hailing apps can be used to reach attractions around Jakarta.

What cultural etiquette should I observe?
Dress modestly, be polite, and respect local customs, especially at religious sites.