Universitas Indonesia and the University of Sydney Renew Strategic Partnership to Sustain Global Research and Academic Excellence

Universitas Indonesia (UI) recently hosted a high-level delegation from the University of Sydney (USyd) for the official signing of a partnership renewal agreement. The meeting aimed to fortify the long-standing academic ties between the two institutions, focusing on strategic collaborations in research, innovation, and international degree programs to further enhance the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Australia.

The delegation from the University of Sydney was led by Professor Mark Scott AO, Vice-Chancellor and President, accompanied by:

• Kirsten Andrews – Vice-President (External Engagement)
• Tim Field – Director (International), Sydney Future Students
• Riko Kho – Senior Country Manager (Indonesia), Sydney Future Students / International Recruitment
• Associate Professor Jeffrey Nielson – Convenor for Indonesia, Sydney Southeast Asia Centre (SSEAC)

The Universitas Indonesia delegation was led by the Rector of UI, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU, joined by:

• 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. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D. – Dean of the Faculty of Engineering
• Fadhilah Muslim, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., DIC – Director of Internationalization of Education
• Ir. Jaka Fajar Fatriansyah, M.Sc., Ph.D., ASEAN Eng., IPU – Head of the Sub-Directorate of International Education Development
• Alfrida E. Madame Hutapea – Head of Sub-Directorate of International Mobility Program
• Reska Herlambang, M.Ikom – Head of Sub-Directorate for Media & Digitalization
• Yunitha Fajarwati, S.Hum. – Section Head of International Partnership

In his opening remarks, the Rector of UI expressed his profound appreciation for the continued partnership, emphasizing that collaboration in research, innovation, and double-degree programs is vital for the advancement of both nations. In response, Professor Mark Scott reaffirmed the University of Sydney’s commitment to addressing global issues of mutual significance and highlighted Indonesia as the University’s largest collaborative partner in Southeast Asia.

The discussion centered on the expansion of existing academic frameworks, including the optimization of the 2+2 articulation program in Engineering. Both institutions also identified nursing as a high-priority area for future cooperation, noting the potential for growth given the balanced student mobility rates between the two universities. To facilitate these initiatives, both parties agreed to minimize bureaucratic hurdles, ensuring a more streamlined implementation of joint projects.

Furthermore, the University of Sydney introduced various joint funding schemes designed to “kick-start” significant research partnerships across broad themes. During the session, the UI Rector also highlighted the role of the UI–UQ Centre as a “one-stop service” model that simplifies administrative processes for education, research, and innovation, serving as a benchmark for managing international institutional collaborations.

The meeting concluded with the formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) renewal, followed by a commemorative photo session. The Director of Internationalization of Education at UI closed the proceedings by expressing optimism that this renewed agreement would lead to immediate, concrete actions that benefit the students and faculty of both world-class institutions.

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