Universitas Indonesia hosted a high-level delegation from Columbia University to explore opportunities for academic collaboration, joint degree programs, and strategic long-term initiatives. The meeting was led by Prof. Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, underscoring UI’s strong commitment to expanding global partnerships with leading international universities.
The UI delegation included:
Prof. Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs
Dr. (HC) Noni S.A. Purnomo, B.Eng., M.B.A., Member of the Board of Trustees
Dr. Muthia Pramesti, S.E., M.M., Assistant Director, International Education Program Development and Partnership, Directorate for Internationalization of Education
Ms. Yunitha Fajarwati, S.Hum., Section Head, International Education Partnership, Directorate for Internationalization of Education
The Columbia University delegation comprised:
Professor Soulaymane Kachani, Senior Vice Provost
Ms. Judy Lee, Member of the Board of Directors, DBS Group Holdings Ltd and DBS Bank Ltd
Mr. Daniel Budiman, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Mahanusa Capital
Dr. Ji Men Jenny Choy, Assistant Professor
During the meeting, UI expressed a strong enthusiasm for building new and expanded collaborations with Columbia University. As part of UI’s strategic efforts to broaden international engagement, the university is seeking to add more U.S. partners—particularly for dual-degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
Columbia University representatives highlighted the significant presence of over 500 Indonesian students currently enrolled at the institution, demonstrating an existing foundation for deeper academic cooperation. Columbia also introduced potential program models, including:
1+1 Master’s Dual Degree Programs
4+1 Fast-Track Pathways (Bachelor’s to Master’s)
S2–S3 (Master’s to Ph.D.) 3+2 Programs
Both institutions also discussed a range of potential collaborations, such as:
Student and staff exchange programs
Joint academic programs, joint supervision, and joint publications
Collaborative research, especially in technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development
Short courses, visiting professors, and broader international mobility initiatives
UI shared its ongoing initiatives through the Directorate for Internationalization of Education, including government-supported double-degree scholarships, international mobility funding, and opportunities for research collaboration that support innovation and community development.
Academic units identified for potential collaboration include UI’s:
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Computer Science
Faculty of Economics and Business
These areas align closely with Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, presenting strong synergy for dual-degree pathways and joint research.
Columbia University also noted that it is considering the establishment of a Global Office in Asia, with Indonesia identified as a promising candidate, signaling a long-term vision for regional engagement.
Next Steps
Both universities agreed to:
Prepare a MoU and AoI
Arrange a series of virtual meetings with relevant faculties to refine program structures
UI and Columbia University are optimistic that this partnership will lead to impactful academic opportunities and strengthen global knowledge exchange.
Photo credit: Directorate for Internationalization of Education, Universitas Indonesia
