Governor of Victoria, Australia, H.E. Professor Margaret Gardner AC, recently delivered a public lecture titled “Sustainable Innovation Ecosystems to Strengthen Indonesia-Australia Cross-Sector Partnership for Economic and Health Resilience” during a visit to Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) on November 21, 2025.
In the opening remarks, the Rector of UGM, Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K), Ph.D., emphasized the importance of academic partnerships in advancing innovation and building resilient societies. “The topic of today’s public lecture is highly relevant to UGM’s mission, especially as we continue to strengthen Indonesia-Australia cooperation in research, innovation, health, and economic development,” Prof. Ova added.
Prof. Gardner started the public lecture by acknowledging the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Australia. “Indonesia is a lifelong partner of Australia, and being a good neighbour to each other is the key to strengthening the potentials between our citizens,” she remarked. “Around 9,000 Indonesian students are now studying in the state of Victoria, and the number is growing each year.”
She continued to explain the importance of education for young generations. “A lot of opportunities for the young generation come from strong, inclusive education,” said Prof. Gardner. “It is also important to note that the development of education should be supported through collaborations between multiple countries. This collaboration is also important for us to be able to face the challenges in the global, modern world,” she added.
Prof. Gardner also appreciated the diversity of fields of study in UGM, quoting the former Australian PM, Sir Robert Menzies. “He said that the greatest point about a university is the quality of the mind and spirit that it produces, so the diversity of studies could actually help broaden the mind and give a new freedom to the spirit of the students,” she explained.
To conclude the public lecture, Prof. Gardner once again emphasized the importance of building and maintaining partnerships between countries through education and good collaboration, as it is the foundation of good governance. “We should keep looking for new ways to help each other achieve common goals. Good neighbours make good partners,” she concluded.
UGM has a strong, long-standing history of partnerships with leading Victoria universities, including the University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT, Deakin University, and La Trobe University. Hopefully, through the visit and public lecture, UGM continues to maintain good partnerships with the State of Victoria and Australia.
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