Universitas Indonesia and National Taipei University Advance Academic Ties with Focus on Student Mobility and Humanities

Universitas Indonesia (UI) recently hosted a delegation from National Taipei University (NTPU) to activate and expand their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Student Exchange Agreement. The discussion focused on taking concrete, step-by-step actions to initiate student mobility, joint research, and academic engagement between the two institutions.

The delegation from National Taipei University was led by Prof. Daw-Tung Lin, President, and included:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thijs Velema – Dean of the Office of International Affairs (College of Social Sciences)
• Prof. Chien-jung Hung – Head of the Center for Haishan Research, Department of History
• Ms. Niki Chen – Project Manager of the Office of International Affairs

The Universitas Indonesia delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Hamdi Muluk, M.Si., Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Student Affairs, and Alumni, joined by:

• Dr. Untung Yuwono, S.S – Dean, Faculty of Humanities
• 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 of Research Funding and Ecosystem
• Dr. Junaidi, S.S., M.A. – Manager of Cooperation and Ventures, Faculty of Humanities
• 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 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