Universitas Indonesia and University of Dubrovnik Explore Strategic Academic Cooperation, Digital Education, and Joint Research Consortiums

Universitas Indonesia (UI) recently welcomed a distinguished courtesy visit from the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia and the University of Dubrovnik to explore extensive academic and research cooperation. The strategic meeting focused on unlocking new collaborative opportunities across student mobility, advanced digital education, marine sciences, and securing international joint funding.

The delegation from the Embassy of Croatia and the University of Dubrovnik included:

• H.E. Nebojsa Koharovic – Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia
• Prof. Nebosa Stojcic – Rector of the University of Dubrovnik
• Prof. Mato Bratulovic – Vice-Rector for Internationalization, Public Relations and Student Standards, University of Dubrovnik
• Marko Potrebica – Director of the Student Centre, University of Dubrovnik
• Dean Strinic – Assistant Professor, University of Dubrovnik

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

• 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
• Chairul Hudaya, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D. – Director of High-Impact Innovation and Research
• FA Triatmoko HS, M.Si – Head of the Sub-Directorate of Development and Marketing of Digital Learning Programs, Directorate of Digital Education Development
• 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
• Yunitha Fajarwati S.Hum – Section Head, International Partnership, Directorate for Internationalization of Education

During the dialogue, the University of Dubrovnik introduced its flagship academic strengths, particularly in autonomous systems and underwater robotics, digital media and disinformation, industrial economics and innovation, as well as marine science and aquaculture. Both institutions recognized highly complementary synergies, especially in advancing digital learning initiatives and sustainable fisheries industries. Crucially, the University of Dubrovnik highlighted its active and successful participation in major European Union funding frameworks, such as Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, paving the way for lucrative joint grant applications.

Discussions quickly progressed toward concrete collaborative opportunities. Both universities explored extensive mobility schemes, including student and staff exchanges, short courses, and guest lectures, alongside the potential development of double and joint degree programs across all academic levels (Bachelor, Master, and PhD). A major highlight of the meeting was the shared vision for borderless education, with both parties expressing strong interest in co-developing joint micro-credentials, exploring fully online master’s programs, and collaborating on the production of digital learning content and media training.

In the realm of research, the institutions laid the groundwork for forming powerful international research consortiums. This includes focusing on marine collaboration, technology transfer, and sustainable aquaculture development, with potential involvement from global industry partners such as Babcock.

The meeting concluded with actionable next steps to transition these exploratory discussions into a formalized institutional agreement. Immediate actions include mapping out specific EU funding opportunities for capacity building and equipment, drafting joint research consortium proposals, exchanging detailed expertise profiles to match collaborative counterparts, and scheduling targeted follow-up online meetings for technical implementation.

Photo Credit: Directorate for Internationalization of Education