Yogyakarta, June 23rd 2026 – The Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM) welcomed a delegation from the Regional Council of Constituent Rectors (MDRK) of Syiah Kuala University (USK), Banda Aceh, to explore opportunities for strategic collaboration in education, research, and community engagement with the Peace and Conflict Resolution Master Program (MPRK).
The leadership of the UGM Graduate School, during the visit, warmly received the MDRK USK delegation in a constructive meeting. It focused on strengthening collaboration of higher education institutions. The discussions centered on advancing peace studies, conflict resolution, social development, and human resource capacity building to contribute to national development and the creation of an inclusive society.
The MDRK USK delegation, on this occasion, presented several strategic initiatives aimed at promoting peace and social development on inter-university collaboration. One of the key proposals was the establishment of an Inter-University Peace Association, involving UGM, USK, and the Indonesian Defense University (UNHAN), as a platform for developing peace studies, research, and practical initiatives with collaborative curricula, research projects, and other academic activities.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of enhancing social awareness in conflict prevention with the active role of universities. The USK delegation proposed the establishment of joint forums and collaborative studies that could generate strategic recommendations for strengthening peacebuilding, social reconciliation, and sustainable community development, particularly in Aceh. This initiative is expected to reinforce the role of academics in fostering a peaceful, inclusive, and just society.
Both institutions, in the academic sphere, explored opportunities for collaborative research focusing on peacebuilding, social development, and community empowerment. Student affairs were also identified as a priority area with the development of student exchange programs, community service initiatives, and various capacity-building activities involving the academic communities of both universities.
SPs UGM and USK expressed their commitment with this meeting to build a sustainable partnership in advancing peace education, strengthening national academic networks, and developing collaborative programs that make meaningful contributions to creating a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable society.
Author: Arfikah I