Universitas Indonesia (UI) welcomed a high-level delegation from the Russian State University for the Humanities (RSUH) to explore opportunities for expanded academic collaboration across the humanities, social sciences, psychology, and cultural studies. The meeting was led by Prof. Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, reaffirming UI’s commitment to strengthening global partnerships in education and research.
RSUH Delegation:
Prof. Andrey Loginov, Rector
Shilikhov Nikita, Head of the Russian House in Jakarta
Polina Sushina, Interpreter
Devi Mutiara, Interpreter
UI Delegation:
Prof. Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs
Dr. Muthia Pramesti, S.E., M.M., Assistant Director, International Education Program Development and Partnership
Dr. Junaidi S.S., M.A, Manager for Cooperation and Venture, Faculty of Humanities
Dr. Arum Etikariena Hidayat, M.Psi., Psikolog, Manager for Human Resources and Venture, Faculty of Psychology
Dr. Ahmad Fahrurodji, Head of Academic Quality Assurance Unit, Faculty of Humanities
Dr. Thera Widyastuti, S.S., M.Hum, Head of Russian Studies Program, Faculty of Humanities
Ms. Yunitha Fajarwati, S.Hum, Section Head, International Education Partnership
Key Discussion Points
Both universities reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening academic cooperation, beginning with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU will be followed by a detailed roadmap for collaborative activities, involving several faculties and academic units within UI.
The RSUH delegation shared insights into the university’s scale and expertise:
284 academic programs,
22,000 students,
16 research centers, and
over 1,500 faculty members.
RSUH is recognized for its strong academic foundation in history, linguistics, cultural studies, the arts, sociology, psychology, and national studies.
Key Outcomes and Potential Collaboration Areas
1. Language and Cultural Exchange
RSUH announced the reopening of its Indonesian Studies Program in September 2026.
RSUH expressed a commitment to enhancing Indonesian–Russian language learning, supporting both students and academic staff.
2. Scholarships and Academic Mobility
The Russian government, through the Russian House, offers scholarship opportunities, particularly PhD scholarships for Indonesian lecturers.
Both sides discussed student and staff exchange programs, including short courses for master’s students.
3. Faculty-Level Collaboration
Faculty of Humanities (FIB):
Joint research in history and cultural studies,
Cooperation in archiving and historical documentation,
Support for strengthening UI’s Russian Studies Program,
Potential expert exchange with RSUH’s Institute of History and Archival Studies.
Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP):
Plans to send young lecturers to study the Russian language,
Opportunities for PhD studies in Russia,
Student exchange programs with RSUH.
Faculty of Psychology:
Collaboration in student exchange,
Opportunities for doctoral studies,
Joint research initiatives.
RSUH’s Institute of Psychology expressed interest in initiating deeper discussions; RSUH may send a delegation from the institute for further talks with UI Psychology.
4. Enriched Research Collaboration
Both institutions emphasized the importance of joint research, especially in humanities and psychology, areas experiencing rapid development due to societal and technological changes.
UI and RSUH agreed to:
Finalize a collaboration roadmap aligned with the MoU,
Facilitate follow-up discussions between relevant faculties,
Explore opportunities for expert exchange, joint programs, and scholarship pathways for UI academic staff,
Coordinate with the Russian House to maximize mobility and scholarship initiatives.
This meeting marked a significant step toward deepening academic and cultural ties between Indonesia and Russia, with UI and RSUH committed to developing impactful and sustainable collaboration programs.
Photo credit: Directorate for Internationalization of Education, Universitas Indonesia
