University of Indonesia (UI) hosted the event “Information Visit for Head of German Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) to Indonesia” held by the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), German Academic Exchange Service, in Indonesia. The activity, which was held on Thursday (29/2/2024), at the Apung Room, UI Library, facilitated a meeting between 20 universities that are members of the Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Germany and 11 leading State Universities (PTN) in Indonesia.
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) UI also participated in this activity. Dean of FMIPA UI Prof. Dede Djuhana, Ph.D. along with Dr. Dipo Aldila, S.Si., M.Si. (Manager of Research and Community Service), Rika Tri Yunarti, S.Si., M.Eng., Ph.D. (Manager of Education), and Dr. Lukmanda Evan Lubis, M.Si. (Manager of Cooperation, Ventures, and Alumni Relations), were present to discuss and offer relevant cooperation programs with several universities from Germany, one of which is the IB University of Applied Sciences for Health and Social Studies Berlin.
“This activity is a very good momentum for FMIPA UI, to further expand the network, and partnerships with universities in Germany. Hopefully, from the results of the discussion, and the cooperation programs that we offer, it can produce academic cooperation in the fields of teaching and research between the two parties,” said the Dean to the FMIPA UI Public Relations team.
The matters discussed in the discussion included research at FMIPA UI which not only emphasizes fundamental theory, but also prioritizes applications for the industrial world, and excels in basic and multidisciplinary research.
Other activity programs in the academic field are also offered by FMIPA UI in the framework of developing international partnerships, namely Research Excellence, Student Mobility, and Community Engagement.
UI Rector, Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D, said that the matchmaking activity is more than just an introduction. This activity opens up opportunities for academic collaboration in the fields of teaching and research between Indonesia and Germany, and realizes the intentionality that connects various institutions. “Why matchmaking? Because students, teachers, and communities around the world are connected. They benefit from the synergy that we are currently creating,” said Prof. Ari.
The facilities and competencies owned are fertile ground for producing findings in various fields, such as sustainable energy, health service innovation, and digital transformation. Through exchange programs, joint degrees, and collaborative projects, UI students have the opportunity to increase their insight and knowledge. In addition, to encourage inclusivity and expand contributions to society, the university collaborates with communities, both at the local, national, and global levels.
The matchmaking activity was divided into two sessions. The first session was attended by representatives (presidents/vice presidents) from 20 German universities with deans/directors of faculties, schools, and UI vocations. Meanwhile, the second session was attended by 11 Indonesian state universities and 20 German universities. The eleven state universities include UI, Diponegoro University, Bandung Institute of Technology, Syiah Kuala University, Hasanuddin University, Jember University, Padjadjaran University, Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology, IPB University, Brawijaya University, and Gadjah Mada University; with Lampung University and Airlangga University as observers.
There are 20 German universities taking part in this activity, namely the Technical University of Applied Sciences Aschaffenburg; OTH–Technical University of Applied Sciences Amberg-Weiden; Technical University of Applied Sciences Lübeck; University of Applied Sciences Münster; Merz Akademie Stuttgart; University of Applied Sciences Heilbronn; IB University of Applied Sciences for Health and Social Studies Berlin; University of Applied Sciences Hannover; University of Applied Sciences Kiel; HM Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences; University of Applied Sciences Harz; University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern; University of Applied Sciences Merseburg; HMKW University of Applied Sciences for Media, Communication and Management Berlin; Technical University of Applied Sciences Ostwestfalen-Lippe; University of Applied Sciences Stralsund; Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences; University of Applied Sciences Ernst-Abbe Jena; University of Applied Sciences Rhein Main; and the University of Applied Sciences Mainz.
The cooperation between Indonesia and DAAD has been going on since DAAD Indonesia was established in Jakarta in 1990. According to the Deputy Secretary General of DAAD–Bonn and Berlin, Dr. Michael Harms, DAAD is a funding organization for academic cooperation that functions to fund individual scholarships for students, researchers, and staff, as well as providing funds for cooperation between universities. For almost 35 years, Indonesia and DAAD have collaborated in supporting the implementation of learning in Indonesia and Germany.
“Indonesia is very important for us, Germany and DAAD. In this matchmaking, there are four things that need to be discussed, namely excellence in teaching; excellence in applied research; strength between industry, business, and companies with universities; and focus on employability. I think this is something we can work on together. Through this matchmaking, hopefully we can find the right pattern of cooperation between Germany and Indonesia, especially in the academic field,” said Dr. Michael.
Director of the DAAD Regional Office Jakarta, Dr. Guido Schnieders, at the networking dinner held that afternoon further stated that DAAD views the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program currently underway in Indonesia as having great potential to be developed as a real partnership program between universities from both countries.
The matchmaking activity of various university partners was also attended by the Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs of UI, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Abdul Haris; Secretary of UI University, dr. Agustin Kusumayati, M.Sc., Ph.D; Head of Section International DAAD Academy (iDA), Alema Ljumanovic-Hück; as well as the ranks of deans/directors/representatives from participating faculties/universities.
