Source: Untar Public Relations – CJ
Digital transformation in supply chains and the retail sector needs to go beyond improving business speed and efficiency, but should also support inclusive and sustainable development.
The issue was highlighted during the 10th Seri Seminar Nasional Universitas Tarumanagara (Serina Untar) 2026, organized by the Institute for Research and Community Engagement (LPPM) Universitas Tarumanagara at Untar Campus I, Jakarta, Friday (28/8/2026).
The seminar, themed “Supply Chain and Retail Transformation in the Digital Era to Support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” discussed changes in supply chains and retail businesses amid rapid advances in digital technology.
Vice Rector of Untar Assoc. Prof. Sri Tiatri, S.Psi., M.Si., Ph.D., Psikolog, said digitalization has influenced how organizations design supply chains, manage distribution, understand consumer needs, and build relationships among producers, retailers, and communities.
According to her, economic growth and technological advancement need to go hand in hand with sustainability principles.
“Economic growth and technological advancement are not enough if they are not pursued alongside sustainability,” Sri Tiatri said while representing the Rector of Untar in opening the seminar.
She added that digital transformation should focus on developing supply chain systems that are not only fast and efficient but also inclusive, responsible, and sustainable.
Higher education institutions, Sri Tiatri continued, have a responsibility to ensure that knowledge, research, innovation, and technology make tangible contributions to addressing societal challenges.
“Universities should not be places where the development of knowledge comes to an end, but spaces where discussions are translated into solutions that create an impact,” she said.
During the plenary session, Dimas Harris Sean Keefe, Ph.D., from Pusan National University, Busan, and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Untar Dr. Ir. Wilson Kosasih, S.T., M.T., IPM, ASEAN Eng., highlighted how accelerated digitalization is transforming trade patterns, logistics systems, and retail business models. These changes require supply chains to become more adaptive and integrated, enabling producers, retailers, and consumers to connect more effectively. The COVID-19 pandemic also accelerated technology adoption and encouraged companies to develop digital business models to create added value. The discussion was moderated by Untar lecturer Dr. Lydiawati Soelaiman, S.T., M.M.
Chair of the Organizing Committee of Serina Untar X 2026 Ir. Andy Prabowo Pho, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., said adaptability is one of the keys to navigating the rapid development of digital technology. According to him, these changes need to be addressed through cross-disciplinary collaboration so that advances in technology and supply chains can deliver broader benefits to society. (CJ/YS)