Yogyakarta, June 23rd 2026 – The Peace and Conflict Resolution Master Program (MPRK) of Gadjah Mada University (UGM) received a visit from the Peace and Conflict Resolution Master’s Program (MDRK) of Syiah Kuala University (USK) in Banda Aceh. This meeting served as an important opportunity to strengthen institutional ties and explore various opportunities for academic collaboration to strengthen peace education in Indonesia.
The two study programs, in a lively and productive discussion, discussed various possible collaborations that could be developed sustainably. One of the main agenda items of shared concern was strengthening research collaboration in the fields of peace, conflict resolution, social development, and community empowerment. The research synergy of UGM’s MPRK and USK’s MDRK are committed to produce academic studies enriching scientific knowledge and also make a tangible contribution to the development of peace practices at the local, national, and global levels.
The two institutions also discussed opportunities for developing joint academic programs, including student exchanges, collaboration in learning processes, organizing seminars and scientific discussions, and community service activities. These initiatives are expected to broaden students’ academic experiences, enrich cross-cultural perspectives, and strengthen the capacity of the younger generation to understand and manage conflict dynamics and peacebuilding.
Another aspect of focus is strengthening alumni networks as part of efforts to build a sustainable peace ecosystem. Alumni networks are seen as playing a strategic role in expanding cross-sector collaboration, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience, and supporting various initiatives that promote a peaceful, inclusive, and just society.
The chiefs of both study programs agreed that universities have a strategic responsibility to prepare human resources who are academically superior and also possess the capacity to become agents of change and promote peace within society. Therefore, strengthening cooperation of the MPRK UGM and MDRK USK is expected to contribute to the development of educators, researchers, and peace practitioners capable of addressing various social challenges in the future.
This collaboration also aligns with Gadjah Mada University’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4: Quality Education, primarily through strengthening academic capacity and developing inclusive learning; SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Resilient Institutions, through developing education, research, and community service related to peace and conflict resolution; and SDG 17: Partnerships for Achieving the Goals, through strengthening inter-university cooperation.
The meeting of UGM MPRK and USK MDRK affirmed their shared commitment to continue building synergies in education, research, community service, and academic network development as part of efforts to strengthen a culture of peace. This collaboration is expected to provide a solid foundation for producing a generation of peace educators capable of contributing to the development of a more inclusive, harmonious, and sustainable society in Indonesia and globally.
Author: Elisa Cahya K
Editor: Burhanul Aqil