Universitas Indonesia and Kyungdong University Forge Strategic Vocational Partnership, Advancing International Special Classes and Cross-Cultural Exchange

Universitas Indonesia (UI) recently welcomed a distinguished delegation from Kyungdong University to establish a robust new academic partnership. This strategic dialogue focused on accelerating comprehensive internationalization within vocational education, advancing collaborative academic frameworks, and engineering dynamic, future-ready educational programs designed to empower the academic communities of both institutions.

The delegation from Kyungdong University was led by:

• Professor Kim Kyung-hwan – Vice-president of International Development

The Universitas Indonesia delegation was led by Prof. Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, joined by:

• Dr. Safrin Arifin, S.K.M., S.St., M.Sc. – Director of the Vocational Education Program
• Dr. Badrul Munir, S.T., M.Eng.Sc. – Vice Director for Education, Research, and Student Affairs, Vocational Education Program
• Ir. Jaka Fajar Fatriansyah, M.Sc., Ph.D., ASEAN Eng., IPU – Head of the Sub-Directorate of International Education Development, Directorate for Internationalization of Education
• Aditya Denny Pratama, S.ST., M.Fis – Manager of Academic, Student Affairs, and Alumni, Vocational Education Program
• Hadining Kusumastuti, S.Sos., M.Ak. – Manager of Partnerships and Ventures, Vocational Education Program
• Dr. Nia Murniati, S.K.M., M.K.M. – Manager of Impactful Research and Innovation, Vocational Education Program
• Dr. Diaz Pranita, S.T.Par., M.M. – Head of International Affairs, Vocational Education Program
• Feriska Ajeng Anantri, M.A. – Coordinator of Partnerships and Endowment Fund, Vocational Education Program
• Khairunnisa Devani Aqtus Permana Putri, M.I.Kom. – Public Relations Coordinator, Vocational Education Program
• Yunitha Fajarwati S.Hum – Section Head, International Partnership, Directorate for Internationalization of Education

Moving beyond traditional academic models, the partnership will pursue a comprehensive suite of advanced mobility pathways specifically tailored for vocational education, focusing on health, business, administration, and social sciences. A major highlight of the engagement was the mutual commitment to co-develop joint curricula, double degrees, student exchanges, credit transfers, internships, and continuing education programs. During the discussion, Kyungdong University was also identified as a premier strategic partner for UI’s Vocational Education Program’s ambitious plan to launch an International Special Class (Kelas Khusus Internasional/KKI). Furthermore, the collaboration is set to expand cross-disciplinary boundaries by actively involving UI’s Korean Language Study Program and the Faculty of Nursing.

To support these goals, Kyungdong University offered extensive support, including scholarships, advanced study pathways, and strategic career opportunities in South Korea for qualified UI students. The dialogue also heavily emphasized cultural and linguistic integration; Kyungdong pledged robust support for Korean language education and backed UI’s strategic plan to become a certified Korean Language Test Center. Additionally, an engaging K-Pop Winter Program was proposed as an immersive cultural exchange initiative for UI students.

The meeting concluded with a highly structured action plan for immediate implementation. Both universities agreed to expedite the finalization of the overarching Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and will maintain active technical coordination to ensure that these collaborative programs are ready to be officially implemented by the upcoming academic year.

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