UMS Hosts International Conference on Human-Centered Intelligence

Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) once again affirmed its commitment to the advancement of science and technology through the organization of the International Conference on Smart Computing, Internet of Things, and Machine Learning (SIML) 2026. Carrying the theme "Human-Centered Intelligence: Bridging AI, Data, and Society," this international conference served as a collaborative platform for academics, researchers, practitioners, and students from various countries to discuss the latest developments in artificial intelligence, smart computing, Internet of Things (IoT), and data science.

SIML 2026 was held on June 10 to 11, 2026, with full support from the IEEE Indonesia Section. A number of international experts served as keynote speakers, including Lukito Edi Nugroho from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Raula Gaikovina Kula from the University of Osaka, Japan, Gunawan Ariyanto from UMS, and Sheng-Lung Peng from National Taipei University of Business, Taiwan.

Head of the Information Systems program at UMS and Executive Chair of SIML 2026, Dr. Eng. Yusuf Sulistyo Nugroho, S.T., M.Eng., said that this year's theme reflects the importance of ensuring that technological progress remains oriented toward human needs and social benefit.

"Technological development is not only about algorithms and systems, but also about how that technology delivers meaningful impact for society," he said on Wednesday (24/6/2026).

In this year's edition, SIML received 219 scientific articles from various countries. After a rigorous selection process, 100 articles were accepted and 119 others did not pass. With an acceptance rate of around 46 percent, the conference demonstrated its commitment to maintaining academic quality and scientific reputation.

Machine Learning was the most popular topic, with 149 articles submitted, followed by Smart Computing and Internet of Things. According to Yusuf, the high interest in AI-based technology shows the growing importance of AI and data-driven technology in addressing global challenges.

Group photo of SIML 2026 organizers and speakers, June 10, 2026

SIML 2026 also recorded strong international participation. Submitted articles came from authors in 11 countries, while the program committee and reviewers involved experts from 18 countries. Around 200 reviewers participated in a double-blind peer review process using the EDAS platform, with each article reviewed by a minimum of three independent reviewers.

Beyond the main sessions, participants attended presentations of the 100 accepted articles divided across three in-person parallel rooms and six online parallel rooms. Various awards were also presented, including a best paper award, best student paper award, and best presenter award in each parallel session.

On the same occasion, UMS also introduced a new event titled the Student Poster and Article Research Competition (SPARK) 2026. This international competition, held for the first time as a companion event to SIML, carried the theme "Technology Innovation for Sustainable Communities and Communications."

SPARK 2026 attracted 65 entries from 13 institutions across four countries. The competition was divided into the categories of Technological and Digital Innovation and Communication Media and Digital Society, providing a space for students across disciplines to present their research and innovations.

UMS Rector Prof. Dr. Harun Joko Prayitno, M.Hum., in his remarks, emphasized that technological advancement must remain aligned with human values, ethics, sustainability, and social well-being.

"We are witnessing extraordinary developments in artificial intelligence and data-driven technology. However, that progress must remain grounded in human values and deliver real benefits for society," he said.

He added that as a higher education institution, UMS bears the responsibility not only of producing technological innovations, but also of ensuring those innovations can improve quality of life, expand social inclusion, and help resolve real problems faced by global society.

Harun also expressed appreciation to all keynote speakers, committee members, reviewers, international partners, and participants who contributed to the success of SIML and SPARK 2026.

"May this conference be a meaningful space for learning, collaboration, and building global networks. I hope this event brings three key words to all participants: meaningful, enjoyable, and impactful," he concluded.=

Writer: Fika Annisa’ Sholihah

Editor: Maysali Sudarwati

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid