Universitas Indonesia and Shanghai International Studies University Renew Partnership to Advance Interdisciplinary AI, Law, and Advanced Mobility Programs

Universitas Indonesia (UI) recently hosted a high-level delegation from Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) to discuss the renewal of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and establish a regular communication mechanism. The strategic dialogue aimed to transition administrative agreements into concrete, student-driven academic and research initiatives.

The delegation from Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) included:

• Prof. MENG Zhongjie – President
• Prof. ZHANG Haibi – Dean, Graduate School; Dean, Law School
• Prof. YANG Xiaolan – Dean, School of Business and Management
• Prof. MAO Xiaohong – Director, Office of International Cooperation and Exchange
• Prof. WANG Huihua – Secretary General, SISU Alumni Association; SISU Education Development Foundation
• Prof. YU Qian – Lecturer, Indonesian Language and Indonesian Studies, School of Asian and African Studies

The Universitas Indonesia delegation was represented by leadership across multiple faculties and directorates:

• Prof. Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D. – Vice Rector for Academic Affairs
• Dr. Brian Amy Prastyo, S.H., M.L.I., LL.M. – Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs, Faculty of Law
• Fadhilah Muslim S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., DIC – Director for Internationalization of Education
• Prof. Debora Eflina Purba, S.S., M.Si., Ph.D. – Director, Research Funding and Ecosystem
• Dr. Junaidi, S.S., M.A. – Manager of Cooperation and Ventures, Faculty of Humanities
• Dr. Kushartanti, M.Hum. – Head of the Indonesian Studies Program, Faculty of Humanities
• Arief Wibisono Lubis, S.E., M.F.M., M.Sc., Ph.D. – Chief Internationalization and Transformation Officer, Faculty of Economics and Business
• 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, both institutions prioritized the expansion of comprehensive student and staff mobility frameworks, including short courses, summer and winter schools, and visiting professorships. The dialogue prominently featured the exploration of Joint and Dual Degree programs, alongside structured credit mobility schemes such as 2+2 and 3+1 pathways. Both universities stressed that the successful development of these educational models must be firmly grounded in practical implementation and measured student interest.

On the research front, UI and SISU identified vast potential for joint research and shared publications. The delegations explored cutting-edge interdisciplinary collaborations merging Artificial Intelligence (AI) with linguistics, neuroscience, and business. Furthermore, the strategic talks highlighted expansive collaborative opportunities across humanities, socio-political sciences, economics, languages, and regional studies. Notably, SISU expressed a strong interest in partnering specifically with UI’s Faculty of Law to delve into international law and Indonesian legal studies.

To ensure rapid and effective implementation, the meeting concluded with several clear follow-up actions. Both institutions will immediately advance the MOU renewal process and exchange program brochures, conference details, and promotional materials. To guide program development, UI will conduct a student interest survey specifically targeting mobility and Joint/Dual Degree pathways. Concurrently, the universities will facilitate direct faculty matchmaking to unlock joint research and funding opportunities, connecting relevant departments via email and scheduling targeted virtual meetings to solidify these collaborative frameworks.

Photo Credit: Directorate of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Affairs