UI Strengthens Ties with Peking University and Capital Normal University to Research Global Infrastructure

Universitas Indonesia (UI) recently welcomed a joint delegation from Peking University and Capital Normal University to deepen their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Student Exchange Agreement. This strategic dialogue focused on expanding high-impact joint research initiatives—particularly regarding global infrastructure development—and broadening comprehensive academic mobility frameworks between the institutions.

The delegation from Peking University and Capital Normal University was led by Prof. WANG Weijia, Dean of the Institute of International Communication and Director of the Research Center for Global Governance and International Communication at the Institute of Area Studies, and included:

• Dr. ZHAI Xiufeng – Associate Research Fellow at the Institute of Global and Area Studies (Capital Normal University)
• ZHAO Yuke – PhD Candidate
• CHEN Yubing – PhD Candidate
• CHEN Yanhua – PhD Candidate
• SUN Yuqi – PhD Candidate
• YANG Yimeng – Master’s Student
• CHEN Jiyan – Master’s Student

The Universitas Indonesia delegation was led by Fadhilah Muslim S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., DIC, Director for Internationalization of Education, joined by:

• Prof. Debora Eflina Purba, S.S., M.Si., Ph.D. – Director of Research Funding and Ecosystem
• Dr. Hendriyani, S.Sos., M.Si. – Vice Dean for Academic, Research, and Student Affairs, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP)
• Prof. Yon Machmudi, S.S., Ph.D. – Vice Director for Academic and Student Affairs, Graduate School of Sustainable Development (SPBB)
• Jelang Ramadhan, Ph.D – Executive Staff for Internationalization Education and WUR, Graduate School of Sustainable Development
• Ir. Jaka Fajar Fatriansyah, M.Sc., Ph.D., ASEAN Eng., IPU – Head of the Sub-Directorate of International Education Development
• Yunitha Fajarwati S.Hum – Section Head, International Partnership

During the meeting, Peking University recognized as one of China’s oldest and top universities shared insights into its current research on Chinese infrastructure projects in Indonesia. A major talking point was the potential to jointly study the socio-economic impact of the “Whoosh” high-speed train from an Indonesian perspective. The team also discussed the role of institutions like the China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC) in these developments.

On UI’s side, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) shared their ongoing research related to China, while the Graduate School of Sustainable Development (SPBB) highlighted their focus on research that offers practical solutions for society. To make future collaboration easier, UI’s Directorate of Research Funding and Ecosystem (DPER) introduced its centralized research portal, opening the door for shared funding and joint projects.

The visit wrapped up with both sides agreeing to take their partnership to the next level. The universities outlined several practical steps for the future, looking into double degree programs, short courses, research internships, and joint PhD supervision, alongside visiting professor and guest lecture opportunities. Both teams will keep in touch to finalize joint funding and get these mobility programs off the ground.

Photo Credit: Directorate for Internationalization of Education