Universitas Indonesia and Kyushu University Strengthen Academic Ties Through Advanced Research and Degree Collaborations

Universitas Indonesia (UI) hosted a high-level delegation from Tohoku University, led by its President, Prof. Teiji Tominaga. The courtesy visit aimed to strengthen research and higher education ties between the two institutions, with a strong emphasis on inter-faculty collaborations, joint research, and expanded mobility programs.

The delegation from Tohoku University included:

• Prof. Teiji Tominaga – President
• Prof. Toshiya Ueki – Executive Vice President
• Prof. Fumihiko Imamura – Vice President
• Yusuke Takahashi – Director for Global Strategy Office
• Akane Endo – Global Engagement Coordinator, Global Strategy Office
• Davide Bitti – Officer for Alumni and Outreach Office

The Universitas Indonesia delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU., Rector of Universitas Indonesia, and was joined by university leadership and a large cohort of Tohoku University alumni currently serving as UI academics:

• Prof. Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D. – Vice Rector for Academic Affairs
• Prof. Dr. Hamdi Muluk, M.Si. – Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Students, and Alumni
• Prof. drg. Lisa Rinanda Amir, Ph.D., PBO. – Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry
• Fadhilah Muslim S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., DIC – Director of Internationalization of Education
• Dr. Erwin Agustian Panigoro, M.M. – Director of Public Relations, Media, Government and International Affairs
• 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
• Prof. Nasruddin – Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering
• Prof. Ardiansyah, Ph.D – Chairman of the Indonesian Alumni Association of Tohoku University (IATU)
• (Alongside UI academics and Tohoku University Alumni: dr. Jamal Zaini, Adam Badra Cahaya, Putri Zahra Kamalia, Seno Aji, Syahril Siregar, Dr. Eng. Mohammad Akita Indianto, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sri Harjanto, Prof. Dr. Bambang Wibawarta, Raphaella Dewantari Dwianto, Dr. Sita Andarini, Dr. Prasenohadi, Dr. Triya Damayanti, and Muhammad Rifqi).

During the meeting, both institutions identified several critical areas for future joint research. A primary focus was placed on Disaster Science, targeting collaborative efforts in disaster mitigation, risk reduction, and post-disaster reconstruction. The dialogue also explored cutting-edge synergies in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates AI ethics, humanities, and social sciences. Furthermore, both parties saw great potential in expanding Japanese Studies and humanities by leveraging the deep expertise of academics connected to both nations.

On the educational front, UI and Tohoku University expressed strong interest in building dual and double degree programs, specifically targeting Master’s and PhD levels in the fields of Engineering and Dentistry. To support broader academic exchange, the universities plan to boost student, faculty, and staff mobility through tailor-made short courses and dedicated faculty matchmaking programs.

To bring these plans to life, the delegations reviewed potential funding avenues for postgraduate students, including the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) and other scholarship schemes. The visit concluded with clear next steps: both universities will immediately identify prospective study programs and draft concrete proposals to launch these joint research and degree initiatives.

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