The Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM) continues to expand its international collaboration network with an official visit to Timor-Leste. The SPs UGM delegation, led by the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Partnerships, Dr. Widyanto Dwi Nugroho, S.Hut., M.Agr., met with various institutions in Timor-Leste, including universities, cultural organizations, and government bodies. The visit aims to open opportunities for collaboration in education, research, and scientific exchange to strengthen SPs UGM’s international presence.
Held from October 19th to 23rd, 2024, the visit included meetings with several institutions, such as Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL), Dili Institute of Technology (DIT), Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia (INCT), and the Ministry of Higher Education and Science of Timor-Leste. SPs UGM also engaged with the Indonesian Cultural Center and the Association of Religious Tourism of Timor-Leste (ATRTL) to explore cross-sectoral collaboration that can enrich students’ educational experiences and contribute to global scientific development.
At Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL), both institutions agreed to initiate student and staff mobility programs, joint supervision, and the potential establishment of a graduate program at UNTL with support from SPs UGM. Additionally, online education collaboration opportunities are being considered, such as a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) program that could enhance the quality and accessibility of education in Timor-Leste.
In addition to UNTL, Dili Institute of Technology (DIT) has also become a strategic partner of SPs UGM in developing the university’s core responsibilities through collaborative research, publications, faculty exchanges, and potential international KKN (community service) programs. Meanwhile, INCT welcomed the possibility of collaborative research and publications involving 19 universities across Timor-Leste.
SPs UGM also sees significant potential in cultural collaboration with the Indonesian Cultural Center in Timor-Leste, specifically in community engagement and education through cross-border KKN programs. In the tourism sector, the Association of Religious Tourism of Timor-Leste (ATRTL) expressed its desire to develop an inclusive religious tourism center and plans to establish a Halal Center by 2030. SPs UGM, through its relevant programs, offers support in training experts and developing appropriate curricula.
Leading the delegation, Dr. Widyanto Dwi Nugroho emphasized that this initiative aims to strengthen academic relations between UGM and Timor-Leste while building a broader international network, facilitating multidisciplinary collaboration, and enhancing education quality in both countries. “We hope this visit fosters mutually beneficial academic relationships, enriches scientific insights, and drives progress in higher education’s core missions,” stated Dr. Widyanto.
With these initial understandings achieved, it is hoped that the collaboration between SPs UGM and educational institutions in Timor-Leste will have a lasting positive impact, advancing education and science in Southeast Asia.
Author: Arfikah Istari
Source: Sri Pangesti Tuhu