Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Leiden University, the Netherlands, discussed the progress of their ongoing academic partnership and opportunities to expand future collaboration during a meeting at UGM on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The meeting served as a forum for both universities to exchange updates on existing faculty-level and university-wide partnerships and consider ways to broaden academic engagement.

Representing Leiden University were Mr. Marrik Bellen, Director of the Office of Leiden University in Indonesia; Ms. Zweta Manggarani, Deputy Director and Academic Coordinator; Ms. Risa Nihayah, Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Academic Coordinator; and Mr. Afwan Afwandi, Academic and Education Support Officer. On UGM’s side, the meeting was attended by Mr. Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.S., Ph.D., Head of UGM’s Office of International Affairs, along with other representatives from the office. 

Student mobility remained one of the key areas of discussion, particularly the possibility of increasing the number of exchange opportunities available to students. The two universities discussed their ongoing joint PhD programmes involving UGM’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biology, and Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FKKMK). Further opportunities for academic collaboration were also considered, including joint supervision arrangements and the possibility of introducing a multidisciplinary joint minor for undergraduate students within the INUCoST framework

Beyond student and academic mobility, discussions extended to ways of connecting university research with industry. Mr. Tyas highlighted the potential for benchmarking initiatives to support research downstreaming and encourage the development of research-based products for industrial applications.

“We see benchmarking as an opportunity to learn how research outcomes can be further developed into products and brought into industry. This is one of the areas we are interested in pursuing with and learning from Leiden University,” he stated.

Mr. Marrik Bellen welcomed the opportunity to further strengthen the partnership between Leiden University and UGM. He noted that the existing Leiden-UGM Twin Laboratory (often called the Twin-Lab) could be one way to start realizing the university-to-industry initiatives. 

“The Twin-Lab could provide a space for researchers from both universities to work together in  exchange of knowledge and developing collaborative research initiatives, including expanding the impact of the joint research in the form of triple helix collaboration (university-industry-government),” he said. 

The meeting also served as part of the preparations for the upcoming visit of Leiden University President Prof. Luc Sels to UGM in January 2027. The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both universities to further discuss their partnership and identify areas for continued cooperation.

Through ongoing academic exchange and closer research engagement, UGM and Leiden University aim to build on their established relationship and create further opportunities for students, researchers, and academic communities at both institutions.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Aalto University, Finland, explored opportunities to strengthen their institutional partnership during a meeting at UGM on November 3, 2026. The discussion outlined several strategic initiatives, including initiating the institutional framework for collaboration, exploring a double-degree master’s program with the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, sharing information on Aalto University grants for short courses, and exploring the potential use of the EQUITY program from Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology to support student mobility and joint research. These initiatives aim to strengthen academic and research collaboration, particularly in science, technology, and engineering, while expanding international opportunities for students and academics.

Aalto University is a unique collaborative hub in Finland, a country consistently ranked among the happiest in the world for its safety, cleanliness, equality, and balanced way of life. Each year, Aalto’s students complete approximately 250 doctoral degrees, 2,200 master’s degrees, 1,700 bachelor’s degrees, and 300 MBA and Executive MBA certificates. The university has around 16,000 degree students, with international students making up 9% of bachelor’s, 25% of master’s, and 40% of doctoral students.

During the meeting, Prof. Pekka Marttinen, Vice Dean for Education and Associate Professor of Machine Learning in the School of Science at Aalto University, introduced six academic schools that could serve as pathways for UGM students: the School of Arts, Design and Architecture; School of Electrical Engineering; School of Engineering; School of Science; School of Chemical Engineering; and School of Business.

Representing UGM, Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.S., Ph.D., Head of UGM’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), highlighted the university’s comprehensive academic offerings across four academic clusters. He emphasized the importance of beginning the partnership through curriculum and course recognition. 

“The first step is to exchange our syllabi and recognize the courses offered at both universities. We already have several one- and two-year programs that could serve as a reference for the potential collaboration between UGM and Alto,” he explained. A Double Degree model at the Master’s level is seen by both universities as the low-hanging fruit that could be further examined at the Program Study level.

Beyond curriculum development and educational collaboration, the meeting also explored opportunities for joint research, in line with the Indonesian government’s efforts to strengthen research support. Aalto University introduced its International Summer Research Program 2027, a 12-week program offering students full-time supervised research experience in Finland, alongside international networking, cultural activities, and salary and travel benefits.

Both universities also discussed the potential to establish research consortia, starting with science and engineering fields and expanding into other disciplines. Aalto University highlighted its strengths in materials science, metallurgy, process engineering, and artificial intelligence research through the ELLIS Institute Finland, part of the pan-European ELLIS network. Meanwhile, UGM offers complementary research expertise, particularly in green energy, sustainable buildings, and infrastructure at the Faculty of Engineering, as well as algorithms, electrical instrumentation, and computer networks at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA UGM). These shared interests provide opportunities to develop interdisciplinary research and strengthen international academic collaboration.

As part of the visit, Aalto University representatives also participated in guest lectures at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences UGM. Prof. Pekka Marttinen and Dr. Heli Lehtivuori shared their expertise through sessions on Recent Advances in Teaching AI Agents New Skills and Knowledge and Primetime Learning in Chemical Engineering. The lectures provided an opportunity for UGM students and academics to engage directly with international researchers, exchange perspectives, and explore developments in emerging fields of science and technology.

Through continued communication and coordination, UGM and Aalto University aim to advance discussions toward formalizing the partnership while working closely with the relevant faculties and academic units to refine the program structure. Given the large number of students in the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and the Faculty of Engineering, interest is expected to center on urban planning, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, and computer science, particularly within international undergraduate programs. 

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and the Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales (Inalco), France, discussed potential academic collaboration during a courtesy meeting at UGM Central Office on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The discussion centred on student exchange, summer programmes, co-supervision, and the potential development of a double-degree programme.

The Inalco delegation was led by Prof. Gilles Forlot, Vice-President for European and International Affairs. During the meeting, he expressed his appreciation for UGM’s hospitality and welcomed the opportunity to discuss potential areas of cooperation between the two universities.

“Thank you so much for hosting us. We are eager to discuss possibilities that we can develop together,” he said.

UGM Vice Rector for Education and Learning, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., warmly welcomed the visit and highlighted the potential for collaboration in language studies and international learning.

“I believe there are many opportunities for UGM and Inalco to collaborate, particularly in language studies, as UGM offers a range of language programmes, including French. Through this collaboration, we hope to provide our students with greater international exposure and opportunities to broaden their academic experiences,” she stated.

The proposed collaboration would open opportunities for student exchange, summer programmes, and co-supervision between UGM and Inalco. Through student exchange and summer programmes, UGM students could gain international exposure, experience different academic environments, and broaden their perspectives through cross-cultural learning. Co-supervision arrangements could also strengthen academic collaboration between the two universities by allowing students and academics to learn from each other’s expertise and areas of specialisation.

The possibility of developing a double-degree programme was also considered, with a 3+1 pathway in undergraduate level emerging as a potential option. Further discussions would be needed to determine the participating study programmes, align curricula, and establish an appropriate programme structure before the proposal could move forward.

Through continued discussions and the development of potential joint programmes, UGM and Inalco aim to create more opportunities for international academic engagement, broaden students’ learning experiences, and encourage the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two universities. These efforts are expected to lay the groundwork for future collaboration in education and strengthen academic ties between Indonesia and France.

Yogyakarta, October 29, 2026 – Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed a delegation from Curtin University, Western Australia, on Thursday, October 29, to explore the establishment of an institutional partnership. Discussions centered on potential cooperation in education and research, with a particular focus on equitable access to international academic experiences, student mobility, and short-term programs.

Curtin University is a globally recognized institution committed to transforming lives and communities through education and research. Sustainability is a key priority across its teaching, research, campus development, and community engagement initiatives. UGM and Curtin University already have an Agreement on Student Exchange and Study Abroad covering the 2024–2029 period, providing a foundation for further engagement. The two institutions have also collaborated on research, producing joint publications in areas of shared academic interest.

During the meeting, Priya Saracik, Global Partnerships Consultant at Curtin University, identified student mobility as a practical starting point for expanding ties between the two universities. She expressed interest in developing discipline-specific programs that would allow Curtin students to experience Indonesia through academic activities and community engagement, including micro-volunteering. “We are interested in establishing programs that bring our students to Indonesia, starting with student mobility. We can develop programs tailored to specific disciplines, incorporating experiences such as micro-volunteering and other activities. Starting with smaller initiatives will help us sustain and strengthen the partnership over time,” she said.

Dr. Hendra Gunosewoyo, Senior Lecturer in Medicinal Chemistry at Curtin University’s School of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, highlighted the importance of connecting academic exchanges with research networks. He emphasized the value of bringing researchers and academic supervisors together to identify common interests and develop joint initiatives. “As a researcher and supervisor, I see significant value in building these connections. By expanding our network of institutional partnerships, we can identify shared research interests and develop collaborative programs that benefit both universities,” he said.

Prof. Puji Astuti, S.Si., M.Sc., Apt., Director of UGM’s Directorate of Partnership and Global Relations, explained that UGM is actively encouraging the development of international partnerships that support equitable access to global academic opportunities. She noted that the university is seeking to connect prospective international partners with relevant faculties and research groups, while exploring funding mechanisms to support collaboration. 

“We want to grow together, not simply transfer students from one university to another. Our staff will work to identify and match international partners with relevant faculties and research groups. For equitable partnerships, we can use our own funding to get initiatives started, as the requirements for high-level research can be demanding. For example, at the Faculty of Pharmacy, there is considerable potential for short-term programs and summer courses. The key is to help students develop into capable scientists, and we can facilitate opportunities for them to work on their theses in collaboration with partner universities,” she said.

Prof. Puji also pointed to UGM’s experience in hosting international programs, including the UAUE Short Summer Program and Monash University’s Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG). These initiatives combine academic activities with cultural immersion and community-based learning, demonstrating how short-term mobility can create meaningful connections between participants and their host communities. Such models could provide a basis for future programs with Curtin University, potentially bringing together students and researchers from different disciplines to address shared academic and societal challenges.

The discussion also highlighted the role of funding in expanding international research engagement. UGM is among seven universities to receive support through a government research funding initiative administered by the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). This development is expected to expand UGM’s capacity to broaden its international engagement.

As part of the visit, the Curtin University delegation toured UGM’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Faculty of Biology to explore potential areas of cooperation in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, and biology. These visits provided an opportunity to connect academic expertise and identify possible avenues for joint research, student exchanges, and short-term academic programs. By building on existing exchange arrangements and identifying shared priorities, UGM and Curtin University aim to develop a sustained partnership that advances research, broadens access to international learning, and creates lasting benefits for students and academic communities at both institutions.

Yogyakarta, October 28, 2026 – The Office of International Affairs (OIA) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed a benchmarking visit from the Office of International Affairs of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The visit focused on exchanging insights and best practices in managing international student services, particularly in student assistance, accommodation, and buddy programs.

UGM currently hosts more than 423 international students from many countries in the Odd/Fall Semester, all under the care of UGM’s OIA. During the discussion, the UGM OIA team shared how it manages the student journey, from pre-arrival communication to settling in on campus.

A key part of the discussion focused on UGM Buddy Club, a student-led unit that supports OIA UGM in assisting international students. Its activities include buddy pairing, program coordination, and external relations. With approximately 70 active buddies, the club plays an important role in welcoming and assisting incoming international students, including through the PIONEER orientation program. UGM also highlighted the importance of establishing communication between buddies and incoming students before their arrival in Indonesia. As the number and needs of international students continue to grow, early engagement helps students prepare for their transition to university life and access initial guidance before arriving on campus.

The discussion also addressed the challenges of implementing buddy programs for students with different cultural backgrounds and expectations. Participants exchanged perspectives on adapting mentoring approaches to individual student needs, strengthening coordination between UGM Buddy Club and other student organizations, including ISAGAMA, and ensuring that international students can access the assistance they need throughout their studies.

Afia Rifkiani, MAIS, Head of the Mobility Team at the Office of International Affairs (OIA) UGM, highlighted the importance of adapting buddy programs to meet the diverse needs of international students.

“Participants exchanged perspectives on adapting mentoring approaches to individual student needs, strengthening coordination between UGM Buddy Club and other student organizations, including ISAGAMA (International Students Association at UGM), and ensuring that international students can access the assistance they need throughout their studies,” she said.

Head of the Hospitality Sub-directorate, Directorate of International Affairs Office, UMS, Ir. Wijayanto, M.Eng.Sc, emphasized the importance of learning from other institutions to strengthen international student support services.

“For UMS, which established its international affairs office around 2023, the benchmarking visit provided an opportunity to learn from UGM’s experience in developing international student support programs. The insights gathered are expected to inform further discussions and coordination within UMS, including upcoming coordination meetings on international student services.” he said. 

Beyond student mentoring, the two institutions also exchanged perspectives on the implementation of community engagement programs, particularly the Community Service Program (KKN), for international students. The discussion explored how such programs could be adapted to involve international students in community empowerment initiatives, while providing opportunities for them to engage with local communities and gain a deeper understanding of Indonesian society and culture.

Through this benchmarking initiative, OIA UGM reaffirmed the importance of knowledge sharing and institutional collaboration in improving international student services. By exchanging experiences and best practices, both universities aim to develop more inclusive, responsive, and culturally sensitive support systems that enable international students to thrive academically and socially.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Flinders University, Australia, discussed prospects for research and innovation collaboration during a meeting at UGM Central Office on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss potential areas of cooperation between the two universities, particularly in PhD research, industry partnerships, and innovation.

The Flinders University delegation included Prof. Tim Cavagnaro, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), and Prof. Eugene Sebastian, Executive Director of International Research Strategy. During the meeting, Prof. Eugene expressed Flinders University’s interest in expanding its engagement with UGM through research and academic programmes.

“Given the strong relationship between Indonesia and Australia, we see opportunities to strengthen collaboration between Flinders University and UGM through joint PhD research, student exchange programmes, and broader research innovation partnerships,” he stated.

UGM welcomed the opportunity to strengthen its ties with Flinders University. Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc., UGM Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, highlighted the shared vision between the two institutions in advancing research and product development.

“With our shared vision for innovation and product development, we warmly welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Flinders University. Through this partnership, we hope to turn research into innovative products that create added value and benefit society,” he noted.

One of the key topics discussed was the possibility of piloting industry-linked PhD programmes that combine joint supervision with a focus on product development. As proposed by Prof. Eugene Sebastian, the initiative would connect doctoral research with industry needs and support the development of practical solutions and products. 

UGM’s existing research and innovation initiatives, including the Program Promoting Research and Innovation through Modern and Efficient Science and Technology Parks Project (PRIME STeP), may serve as a foundation for joint initiatives. These initiatives could help both universities identify shared research interests and connect academic research with practical applications.

Moving forward, UGM and Flinders University will continue exploring opportunities for academic and industry collaboration. Through their shared expertise and industry connections, both universities aim to develop joint initiatives that foster innovation and create meaningful outcomes.

Yogyakarta, October 27, 2026 – Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed a delegation from Anhui Agricultural University (AAU), China, on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, to explore opportunities for a potential international partnership. The visit focused on identifying opportunities for future collaboration in education, research, and academic development, particularly in agriculture and agricultural technology.

Anhui Agricultural University (AAU), a prospective new partner of UGM, is a public university located in Hefei, Anhui Province, China. The university is jointly supported by the Anhui Provincial Government, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. AAU specializes in agriculture, forestry, and life sciences, with academic strengths spanning crop science, tea science, horticulture, animal science, and food science. Two of its disciplines rank in the top 0.1% and seven in the top 1% of the Essential Science Indicators (ESI). The university also continues to expand its international engagement through educational cooperation and academic exchanges.

Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation of UGM, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.S., emphasized UGM commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and food security through research, production, and community engagement. As a comprehensive university, UGM brings together expertise across disciplines to develop research-based solutions with tangible social impacts, particularly in agriculture and food processing.

“UGM is a comprehensive university with a strong commitment to translating research and innovation into practical solutions. Agriculture and food security are among our priorities, and we have developed various initiatives, from plant-based products and agricultural commodities to food processing and rice production. We are also advancing circular economy practices and strengthening the connection between university research, production facilities, and community needs. Through collaboration with local farmers, we aim to develop and adapt agricultural products, including sunflowers and orchids, to local conditions. We are very interested in exploring collaboration with Anhui Agricultural University, particularly in agriculture, food processing, research, and other initiatives that can generate meaningful social impact,” he said.

LI Hong, Vice President of Anhui Agricultural University, highlighted AAU interest in collaborating on sustainable development and scientific talent development. She also emphasized the importance of environmental considerations in Indonesian agriculture and expressed hope that the two universities could combine modern agricultural technology with local knowledge and traditions.

“We are very pleased to visit UGM, a leading university in Indonesia, and explore opportunities for collaboration in sustainable development and agricultural research. We believe that combining research and technological innovation with local knowledge and traditions can create meaningful opportunities, particularly in plant production and sustainable agriculture. We are also impressed by UGM facilities and its academic environment, including the engagement of its students and faculty members. We hope this visit will serve as a starting point for closer cooperation between our universities and lead to practical initiatives that benefit both institutions and the communities we serve,” she said.

As part of the visit, the AAU delegation visited UGM’s Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Agricultural Technology to explore potential areas of academic and research collaboration. The delegation also toured laboratories, including the Agricultural Energy and Machinery Laboratory and SmartAgri Plant Technology facilities, to gain firsthand insights into UGM’s research activities and technological developments. Discussions explored opportunities for collaboration involving research groups, study programs, academic and student exchanges, and potential joint international research projects.

Beyond academic exchanges involving students, faculty members, and researchers, both universities also explored opportunities to connect research with industry in China. These included potential pathways for UGM graduates to pursue careers in Chinese industries and opportunities to translate research outputs into commercially viable innovations.

The visit marked an initial step toward establishing a potential international partnership between UGM and AAU. Both universities expressed interest in continuing discussions and exploring further collaboration in agricultural education, research, and innovation, with a shared focus on advancing food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Coventry University, UK discussed opportunities to strengthen institutional collaboration during a meeting held at UGM on Friday, October 23, 2026. The discussion explored potential areas of academic cooperation, including the development of a PhD double-degree programme. Both institutions expressed interest in continuing discussions to identify further opportunities for collaboration and explore potential joint initiatives. 

UGM and Coventry University formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2016. Since then, the two universities have pursued various collaborative initiatives spanning research, interdisciplinary studies, and academic cooperation. These include the Amerta Movement Resource, a collaborative digital archive developed by UGM’s Centre for Religious and Cross-cultural Studies (CRCS) and Coventry University’s Centre for Dance Research (C-DaRE), as well as initiatives in battery recycling research and global nickel trade networks.

The meeting was also attended by Dr. Ir. Wiryanta, S.T., M.T, Dean of UGM’s Vocational College, Dr. Endang Soelistiyowati, S.Pd., M.Pd., Vice Dean for Partnerships and Alumni at UGM’s Vocational College, representatives from the Faculty of Engineering and the Directorate of Research. Their presence underscored the broad academic interest in exploring opportunities for future collaboration between the two universities.

During the visit, Prof. Richard Dashwood, Vice-Provost (Research and Enterprise) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Coventry University, highlighted opportunities to expand the partnership with UGM.

“This presents a great opportunity for both universities to build on the collaboration that began with Professor Indra UGM’s Faculty of Engineering and expand it further. We could also explore funding opportunities, including through the LPDP scholarship scheme, to support double-degree programmes. Following the UGM Rector’s visit to Coventry University three years ago, we have continued to see opportunities for collaboration across various disciplines, including engineering and agricultural technology. Looking ahead, we could explore flexible programme structures, such as a 3+1+1 pathway, and identify the most suitable majors and subject areas to align with the strengths and interests of both institutions,” he said.

Echoing this perspective, Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, Ph.D., Rector of UGM, emphasized the importance of identifying shared interests and exploring opportunities to expand collaboration across academic and research fields.

“There are several opportunities we can explore to strengthen this collaboration, extending beyond chemical engineering to other engineering disciplines. We could also identify shared interests and potential areas of cooperation with the Faculty of Engineering, Vocational College, or the Directorate of Research. UGM has experience developing double-degree programmes with universities in Europe, including the University of Dundee. Given the different approaches our institutions may take, one possible starting point would be to explore a PhD programme as a basis for further collaboration”, she said.

Following the courtesy meeting with UGM’s Rector, the Coventry University delegation will continue their visitation programme at UGM’s Faculty of Engineering to explore further opportunities for collaboration, including the potential development of a PhD double-degree programme. Through continued communication and coordination, UGM and Coventry University aim to strengthen their institutional partnership, expand opportunities for academic and research collaboration, and develop mutually beneficial initiatives that contribute to the advancement of higher education and research.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) strengthened its international partnerships with leading Chinese universities through a series of visits to Tsinghua University and Peking University in Beijing, China, on October 12 and 13, 2026. The visits aimed to deepen existing collaborations and explore opportunities for further academic and research cooperation between the institutions.

The UGM delegation consisted of Rector, Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D.; the Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc.; the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Nanang Fakhrudin, M.Si., Apt.; and the Vice Dean for Cooperation, Alumni, and Community Services of the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Dr. dr. Sudadi, SpAn-TI.,Subsp.N.An.(K)., Subsp.An.R(K).

The visit to Tsinghua University began with a courtesy meeting, during which the UGM delegation was warmly welcomed by university representatives led by the Vice President of Tsinghua University, Prof. Wang Hongwei. Following the meeting, the delegation toured several facilities, including laboratories and the Pharmaceutical Technology Center, to learn more about the university’s research and academic facilities.

Professor Wang also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with Indonesian universities, given Indonesia’s significance as a major country in Southeast Asia. Tsinghua’s representative office in Bali reflects the University’s strong commitment to expanding higher education collaboration across Southeast Asia, particularly with Indonesia.

The visit also marked a decade of cooperation between UGM and Tsinghua University, dating back to 2016, when UGM hosted 20 Tsinghua students and senior executives through the Cross-Cultural Understanding Summer Program. The two universities subsequently formalised their institutional partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2022.

The following day, the UGM delegation visited Peking University. The Vice President Prof. Dr. Fang Fang, who also serves as a member of the University’s Party Committee Standing Committee, received Rector Ova and delegation in the central hall of Linhuxuan. He introduced UGM’s delegation with Peking University’s educational programs and international partnerships. Prof. Fang Fang also noted that Peking University values collaboration with Indonesian universities and research institutions, and that the two sides have already established a strong foundation for exchanges in medicine and public health. 

In addition to a courtesy meeting to discuss institutional relations, the delegation visited the Peking University Health Science Center, providing an opportunity to explore areas of shared interest in health sciences and medical education.

One existing collaboration between the two institutions involves the School of Public Health at Peking University and UGM’s Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing. The cooperation agreement, which runs from 2025 until 2030, provides a foundation for continued collaboration between the two academic units.

“UGM values its growing partnerships with both Peking University and Tsinghua University,” Prof. Ova remarked. “We hope to deepen collaboration in education and research, expand opportunities for faculty and student exchange, and develop joint initiatives that respond to shared priorities in Indonesia, China, and the wider region.”

To conclude the visit, the UGM delegation met with representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Beijing and was welcomed by Parulian George Andreas Silalahi, the Deputy Chief of Mission. The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen institutional ties and engage with Indonesia’s diplomatic representatives in China.

Mr. Silalahi remarked that the Embassy welcomes UGM’s efforts to strengthen academic partnerships with leading universities in China. “These collaborations can create new opportunities for joint research and academic exchange, while contributing to stronger ties between Indonesia and China,” he added.

Through these visits, UGM seeks to maintain strong relationships with its Chinese university partners while exploring opportunities to expand academic and research collaboration. Continued engagement with international institutions remains an important part of UGM’s efforts to advance global partnerships and create opportunities for knowledge exchange.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Georgetown University discussed plans to establish a broader institutional partnership during a meeting at UGM on Friday, October 16, 2026. The discussion focused on formalizing international degree programs, including the proposed Asia Pacific Accelerated Master’s Program, an innovative higher education model that integrates field-based learning with international academic experience in a shorter and potentially more cost-effective format.

Founded in 1789 and based in Washington, D.C., Georgetown University is home to the Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS), one of the world’s leading schools of international affairs. Located in the United States’ capital, the school benefits from close proximity to key diplomatic institutions and international policy networks. Its distinguished alumni include King Abdullah II of Jordan and former U.S. President Bill Clinton, reflecting its longstanding contribution to international affairs, diplomacy, and public leadership.

During the meeting, Annisa Yustia, Program Development Manager at Georgetown University, introduced four potential master’s degree pathways for UGM students: the Master of Science in Foreign Service, which focuses on international affairs, diplomacy, development, and global policy; the Master of Arts in Asian Studies; the Master of Arts in Security Studies; and the Master of Global Human Development. The two institutions explored a proposed 3+1+1 pathway designed specifically for students of UGM’s Faculty of Social and Political Sciences and Faculty of Economics and Business, connecting undergraduate study at UGM with further study at Georgetown University. Under this model, students would complete three years of undergraduate study at UGM in Indonesia, followed by one year of study through Georgetown’s Jakarta-based program to complete their bachelor’s degree, and an additional year at Georgetown’s Washington, D.C., campus to pursue a master’s degree. Potential support for the initiative through Indonesia’s Education Fund Management Agency (LPDP), along with the development of the necessary academic agreements, was also on the discussion.

Representing UGM, Prof. Dr. Puji Astuti, S.Si., M.Sc., Apt., Director of the Directorate of Partnerships and Global Relations, said that UGM will clearly define the academic structure of the proposed pathway in the formal cooperation agreement, following coordination with the relevant faculties.

“It is important that we clearly articulate the academic structure of this pathway in the formal agreement, including the course options and credit transfer arrangements, in coordination with the relevant study programs and faculties. Clear academic guidelines from the outset will help prospective students understand their academic journey, from course requirements to credit calculations, while helping both institutions ensure a more predictable and well-defined study pathway”, she said.

Through continued communication and coordination, UGM and Georgetown University aim to advance discussions toward formalizing the partnership while working closely with the relevant faculties and academic units to refine the program structure. These efforts will help establish a clear and feasible academic pathway for students seeking to combine undergraduate education at UGM with international learning opportunities and graduate study at Georgetown University.