To this end, UI hosted a matchmaking event called "Information Visit for Head of German Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) to Indonesia" at its campus in Depok City, West Java, on Thursday, February 29.
The matchmaking event that was organized by Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) or German Academic Exchange Service was more than just an introductory meeting, he told journalists here, Tuesday (March 5).
Instead, he said it had paved the way for a new academic collaboration between the two countries' reputable universities in teaching and research as well as internationalization of higher institutions.
The communities of students, teaching staff, and researchers at the universities would get connected and benefit greatly from this synergy, Professor Kuncoro added.
The matchmaking event had two sessions. Chancellors and vice chancellors of 20 German universities as well as deans and directors of UI's faculties, schools, and vocational educational program joined the first session.
Meanwhile, representatives of Indonesia's 11 public universities and their counterparts from 20 German universities participated in the second session.
Deputy Secretary General of DAAD–Bonn and Berlin, Dr. Michael Harms, who attended the event, highlighted DAAD's support for Indonesia and Germany's cooperation by offering scholarships for graduates, scientists, and higher education institutions.
He noted that Indonesia and DAAD have collaborated for almost 35 years, adding that Indonesia is very important for Germany and DAAD.
The matchmaking event, hosted by UI, focused on four main issues: excellence in teaching; excellence in applied research; strengths of industry, business, corporation, and university; and work capability.
Michael Harms opined that the event was expected to help the participating universities find a framework for building an appropriate academic collaboration.
Director of the DAAD Regional Office Jakarta Dr. Guido Schnieders, who spoke at the event's networking dinner, stated that Indonesia's Freedom to Learn, Independent Campus (MBKM) Program is potentially developed to become one of the real partnership programs for the two countries' universities.
The 11 Indonesian universities that recently joined the matchmaking event were UI, Jember University (Unej), Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), Diponegoro University (Undip), Brawijaya University (Unibraw), Padjadjaran University (Unpad), Syiah Kuala University (USK), and Hasanuddin University (Unhas).
Related news: Govt preparing education loan scheme for university students
Related news: Universities should be future-oriented: Vice President Amin
Translator: Feru L, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
