In an effort to enhance global collaboration in education and research, ten private universities under LLDIKTI Region III and Region II, including Universitas Tarumanagara (Untar), participated in a sharing session with the University of Debrecen, Hungary. The event took place on Monday, (08/04/2025), at Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN), under the theme “Strengthening Research Capacity through International Collaboration.” The initiative was organized by LLDIKTI Region 3 to promote international partnerships among private higher education institutions across various fields.
The event began at 9:00 AM (WIB), starting with participant registration, a university profile video, and an opening by the master of ceremonies. A warm welcome speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Friska Natalia, Vice-Rector of UMN. This was followed by remarks from Dr. Henri Tambunan, Head of LLDIKTI Region III, who expressed his pride in initiatives that encourage universities under LLDIKTI III to expand internationally by building partnerships with foreign institutions.
The main session featured two speakers from the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, Dr. Habil Adrián Szilárd Nagy and Dr. Beáta Bittner. Both emphasized the importance of international collaboration in enhancing the quality of research and higher education. “We are very open to all forms of collaboration — from online lectures, joint research, staff exchange, to short-term and long-term student mobility,” said Dr. Adrian.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bittner highlighted her institution’s strong relationship with Indonesian students. “We are very proud of our Indonesian PhD students — they are diligent, hardworking, and even after graduation, we continue to collaborate on research and publications,” she said. She also shared encouraging news about growing academic ties with Indonesia. “Starting in September, we will welcome a new Indonesian PhD student. He will be my first Indonesian student, and I’m very excited,” she added. Beyond further studies, collaboration opportunities are also available in teaching and faculty exchange. “Even if it’s just one lecture or an online class, you are always welcome. If your field isn’t economics, we’ll connect you with the appropriate faculty,” explained Dr. Beáta.
Prof. Agustinus, representing Untar’s Postgraduate Program, affirmed the university’s commitment to expanding international collaboration, “The Postgraduate Program at Universitas Tarumanagara continuously enhances its international cooperation to improve reputation and strengthen the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education at the global level. We are committed to building and sustaining international partnerships through various initiatives, such as visiting professors, joint research, joint publications, external examiners, and student and faculty exchange programs. These are among the key strengths and advantages of Untar’s postgraduate programs, particularly the MM and DIM programs,” he stated.
The highlight of the event was the signing of the International Agreement (IA) and the Guest Lecture Report and Initiative Engagement Record between the University of Debrecen and ten participating institutions including: Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN), Universitas Bhayangkara Jakarta Raya (UBHARA), Universitas Esa Unggul (UEU), Universitas Tarumanagara (Untar), Universitas Jakarta Internasional (UNIJI), Universitas Kristen Indonesia (UKI), Universitas Pancasila (UP), Universitas Budi Luhur (UBL), Institut Sains dan Bisnis Atma Luhur Bangka Belitung, and Universitas MDP Palembang.
The signing was followed by a plaque exchange and group photo session as a symbolic gesture of strengthening global academic networks. The event was attended by university rectors, deans, senior administrators from each institution, and officials from LLDIKTI Region III. This partnership is expected to open up broader opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and collaborative publications — all of which will significantly contribute to the academic capacity building of each participating institution.