Amid complex educational demands during this era of globalisation, Indonesia faces challenges, such as the increasingly dynamic trends in the job market and requiring students to adapt to all changes. Consequently, universities in this country must become more aware of the need for partnerships and collaborations with educational institutions worldwide. Through such collaborations, universities can bridge the resource gap that Indonesia requires. Begins with curriculum development, enhancing the quality of educational experiences, making them more relevant to students, and fostering wider innovation and research. To achieve this goal, massive collaborative efforts must be undertaken with foreign partners as part of the endeavour to transform education and prepare students for their future careers.
In recent years, Indonesian higher education partners have intensified various collaborative efforts, signifying opportunities for students and other involved parties to optimize the programs currently in progress. At least five progressive steps can be identified:
First, international curriculum development can be observed through collaboration between Indonesian universities and United States institutions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), aimed at reinforcing academic aspects. In 2022, Arizona State University partnered with this initiative. As a result, 1,174 teachers underwent training in industry-relevant curricula, faculty teaching innovations, and workshops to enhance accreditation and gain international recognition. Additionally, over 1,283 students enrolled in social skills courses to prepare them for studying and working in the United States. During the same year, at least three national university partners, namely Hasanuddin University, Bina Nusantara University, and Bandung Institute of Technology, participated in projects such as the Higher Education Partnership Initiative (HEPI), sponsored by USAID. The HEPI launch program aimed to equip students with the necessary skills to select a US university, complete applications, improve their English language proficiency and social skills, as well as gain insights into American culture and higher education.
Second, the national research program is evident through the Productive Innovative Research funding program (RISPRO), which has allocated a total of 44 billion Rupiah in funds for each of its initiatives. RISPRO has collaborated with the Partnership in Research Indonesia and Melbourne (PRIME) and the UK-Indonesia Consortium for Interdisciplinary Sciences (UKICIS), facilitated by the Directorate General of Higher Education and Technology and the Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP). Furthermore, to support the RISPRO-PRIME and UKICIS programs, Diktiristek organized a symposium themed 'Fostering Excellent Research Through Global Engagement' from 27th to 29th March 2023. This symposium aimed to encourage research development across various fields by involving researchers from domestic and foreign universities, along with partners from Australia and the United Kingdom. The RISPRO-PRIME initiative involves the Indonesian Research Alliance, comprising three State Universities – the University of Indonesia (UI), Gadjah Mada University (UGM), and Airlangga University (UNAIR).
The RISPRO-PRIME program designated UI as the lead institution. On the other hand, RISPRO-UKICIS was established by four Universities, including the IPB University (IPB), Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Gadjah Mada University (UGM), and the University of Indonesia (UI), in collaboration with universities in England, such as the University of Nottingham, Coventry University, and the University of Warwick. The RISPRO-UKICIS program appointed IPB as the lead institution. During the symposium, six speakers from the RISPRO-PRIME program presented five research projects in the health sector (PRIME-Health) and one research project in the social humanities sector (PRIME-Social), highlighting the accomplishments of their respective research endeavours. Simultaneously, the RISPRO-UKICIS program comprised 15 research projects categorized into five key research areas, including Blue Economy, Green Economy, Digital Technology, Tourism, and Health.
Third, the Foreign Language Education initiative, operating under the SEAMEO QITEP in Language (SEAQIL) scholarship program, is coordinated by the Ministry of Education and Culture. This program focuses on enhancing the competence of language teachers in various languages, including Indonesian as a Foreign Language (BIPA), Arabic, Japanese, German, and Mandarin. It does so through comprehensive training, seminars, workshops, and other educational services. The program is set to span three months, beginning in 2022, and will benefit 400 foreign language teachers and 100 education staff members across Southeast Asia. This emphasis on language education is increasingly crucial, as emphasized by Ethel P. Valenzuela, the Director of the SEAMEO Secretariat. Valenzuela highlights the significance of foreign language mastery, citing its capacity to expand opportunities and contribute significantly to the realization of accessible, inclusive, and equitable education for all in the 21st century.
Fourth, diplomatic efforts were evident in 2023 during the Ambassador Town Hall Meeting - ASEAN Higher Education Conference (AHEC). Nizam, the Acting Director General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology elucidated his commitment to enhancing the quality of education within ASEAN. This commitment materialized through four primary strategies: First, the IISMA program allows students to study at partner universities abroad for one semester, with the credits transferrable to their respective institutions in Indonesia. Second, universities in Indonesia actively engage in student exchange programs through diverse collaborative initiatives. Third, the ASEAN Credit Transfer System (ACTS) enables students to enrol in courses at universities affiliated with the ASEAN University Network (AUN), with their earned credits transferable to their home universities in Indonesia. Fourth, efforts are underway to foster collaboration between Indonesia and ASEAN for the implementation of dual degree programs between universities.
In addition, diplomatic efforts were exemplified through the statement of Hilmar Farid, the Director General of Culture, affirming the Ministry of Education and Culture's strategic programs. These initiatives include the IISMA, Matching Fund (Kedaireka), and the Indonesian Language Program for Foreign Speakers of the Indonesian Cultural House (RBI). The RBI serves as an Indonesian cultural diplomacy program, functioning in three key areas: cultural learning, cultural expression, as well as advocacy and promotion. Moreover, the concerted efforts of educational and cultural attachés (Atdikbud) have been identified as crucial and necessitate augmentation.
Fifth, the student exchange program is exemplified through independent learning initiatives such as the Indonesia International Student Mobility Award (IISMA), which has successfully facilitated over 3,500 students to study at 117 prestigious international campuses over the past two years. Additionally, the LPDP scholarship program, launched by the Ministry of Education and Culture as part of the 10th episode of the Merdeka Belajar (Emancipated Learning) initiative, aims to support outstanding students with both academic and non-academic accomplishments. The Advanced Indonesia Scholarship program, a component of this initiative, has led to a 9.6-fold increase in the number of students studying at renowned global campuses. Notable destinations include institutions such as Oxford University, Columbia University, Melbourne University, Nanyang Technological University, and many more. Furthermore, Minister Nadiem extended an invitation to university representatives attending the event, urging them to explore the possibility of establishing branch campuses in Indonesia. The Ministry of Education and Culture offers five international campus presence schemes within the country, tailored to the specific needs and capacities of higher education institutions. These schemes include the establishment of branch campuses, the development of research facilities, the creation of microcenter study centres, and the implementation of joint-degree programs.
These five steps illustrate the progressive and comprehensive initiatives undertaken by stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Education. These efforts present a significant opportunity for Indonesian students to expand their horizons within the context of an ever-evolving global workforce.