The University of Indonesia (UI) hosted a meeting with representatives from the Global Development Learning Network (GDLN) to explore strengthened academic cooperation under the Indonesia–China Bridge Program. The discussion highlighted opportunities for joint talent development, international accreditation pathways, and expanded industry collaboration between the two countries.
The UI delegation was led by Fadhilah Muslim, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., DIC, Director of Internationalization of Education, accompanied by Yunitha Fajarwati, S.Hum, Section Head of International Education Partnership.
The GDLN delegation included Dr. Prof. Jiang Bo, Board Member of GDLN and Vice President & Chairman of the Academic Council of the China Adult Education Association; Mr. Geng Zhongcheng, Founder and CEO of Shanghai Eager Technology; and Mr. Zhang Yihuan, Assistant to the CEO of Shanghai Eager Technology.
Key Discussion Points
1. Overview of the Indonesia–China Bridge Program
The program currently collaborates with more than 200 Chinese universities, spanning QS rankings 20–500, and offers over 100 globally competitive programs. Priority disciplines include Civil Engineering, Architectural Design, Electrical and Mechanical Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, International Economics and Trade, International Law, and Finance.
2. Program Purpose and Academic Framework
The initiative aims to advance joint talent cultivation, collaborative discipline development, and cross-cultural integration. It offers academic pathways from Associate to Doctoral levels with dual accreditation from partner universities in Indonesia and China.
Two primary teaching models were highlighted:
1+3 Model: One year of foundational study in Indonesia followed by three years in China.
2+2 Model: Two years in Indonesia and two years of dual-supervised study in China.
Courses are delivered in Chinese, English, and Indonesian, and graduates earn dual degrees recognized by both countries.
3. Industry–Education Integration
A central feature of the program is the integration of academic study with professional experience through university–enterprise collaboration. Students receive internship and employment opportunities with leading Chinese-funded companies operating in Indonesia.
Employment pathways include:
China–Indonesia joint ventures
Major Chinese state-owned and private enterprises
ASEAN regional and multinational organizations
Representative partners include BYD, Liugong, POP MART, China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), China Railway, and Huawei Indonesia.
4. Conclusion and Future Outlook
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening academic cooperation, promoting cultural exchange, and enhancing graduate employability in Indonesia, China, and the wider ASEAN region. The Indonesia–China Bridge Program stands as a strategic platform linking higher education with emerging industrial needs in both nations.
Photo credit: Directorate for Internationalization of Education, Universitas Indonesia
