Kupang, July 14th 2026 – The Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the Graduate Program of Universitas Nusa Cendana (Undana) in Kupang on Monday (July 14th). The event was part of UGM Graduate School’s research assignment series in the Indonesia–Timor-Leste border region, while also reinforcing academic collaboration between higher education institutions.
The FGD was officially opened by the Vice Rector for Cooperation and Planning of Universitas Nusa Cendana, Prof. Philiphi de Rozari, S.Si., M.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., who emphasized the importance of collaboration among universities in producing research that addresses development challenges in border areas. This was followed by remarks from the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Cooperation of the UGM Graduate School, Prof. Dr. Ir. Widyanto Dwi Nugroho, S.Hut., M.Agr., who reaffirmed the Graduate School’s commitment to expanding academic and research partnerships with universities across Indonesia.
The discussion featured Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Junun Sartohadi, M.Sc., who presented his research on Adaptive Rorak, and Dr. Leonard Chrysostomos Epafras, who shared insights from his study on Post-Memory. The session was moderated by Ahmad Suparmin, S.P., M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D., who facilitated an engaging and interactive discussion.
Through their presentations, both speakers stimulated discussions on strategic issues related to the development of border regions from environmental as well as socio-cultural perspectives. Faculty members, researchers, and students actively contributed their views, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas and diverse perspectives throughout the forum.
The FGD served not only as a platform for sharing knowledge and academic experiences but also as an opportunity to strengthen research collaboration of the UGM Graduate School and the Graduate Program of Universitas Nusa Cendana. The partnership is expected to foster more contextual and impactful research responding to the needs of communities living in border areas.
The UGM Graduate School, with this initiative, hopes to further expand its collaboration with Universitas Nusa Cendana in research, education, and community engagement. Strengthening academic networks and promoting knowledge exchange are expected to contribute meaningfully to Indonesia’s development and improve the well-being of communities, particularly those in border regions.
Author: Sri Pangesti Tuhu