Tag: Indonesia

Collaboration between Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) and OIC-COMSTECH (Organization of Islamic Cooperation-Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation) grows stronger. One form of this collaboration is marked by the inauguration of the OIC-COMSTECH office at WUACD Secretariat, ASEEC Tower, Dharmawangsa-B Campus UNAIR. Not only about office inauguration. Cooperation between UNAIR and OIC-COMSTECH, which is based in Pakistan, also brings various benefits for both parties, particularly in the field of diplomacy. This cooperation also received support from the Government of Pakistan.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Indonesia, HE Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri explained that Pakistan opens great opportunities for Indonesian citizens, especially UNAIR, to conduct international research. This is marked by signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in educational and medical fields. This cooperation will also open doors wide for joint research, faculty exchange, and student mobility for UNAIR. “We are open to faculty exchange, joint research, and student mobility. In the health sector, Pakistani doctors will come to Indonesia to help with services. Likewise, the same goes for medical students of Universitas Airlangga,” Ambassador Chaudhri explained.

Not only educational diplomacy, both Indonesia and Pakistan, represented in this matter by UNAIR and OIC-COMSTECH, also open cooperation to face geopolitical issues. Both Indonesia and Pakistan are countries with large Muslim populations. Ambassador Chaudhri emphasized that this massive demographic strength must be converted into real influence on the global stage. Therefore, this collaboration between Pakistan and UNAIR must be welcomed well by the community. “The community must see that cooperation between the Embassy of Pakistan and Universitas Airlangga will bring broad impact, especially for UNAIR students who want to go to Pakistan to conduct research,” he emphasized.

“Please consider Pakistan as your second home. We look forward to the presence of Universitas Airlangga academic community there,” Ambassador Chaudhri concluded.

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) strengthens its global leadership through Rector Meeting at World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) Summit 2026. The forum results in international network expansion through signing of Letter of Commitment by Eastern Visayas State University, Mindanao State University from Philippines, and Bayero University Kano from Nigeria. These three institutions further expand WUACD collaboration from Southeast Asia to Africa. WUACD President and Rector of Universitas Airlangga, Prof Dr Muhammad Madyan SE MSi MFin expresses that addition of new members proves growing trust of world universities in WUACD. “Over the past year, WUACD continues to strengthen its role as a collaboration platform in education, research, community service, and international engagement. We also welcome three new institutions that we believe will open wider collaboration opportunities for all WUACD members,” Prof. Madyan said.

Prof Madyan added that Rector Meeting also serves as a forum to evaluate organization achievements in the first half of 2026 and map out future strategic direction of WUACD. Discussion results will be translated into collaborative programs within four main pillars: Innovative Education and Lifelong Learning, Social Development and Multiculture, Health and Environment, and Sustainable Economy. In addition to membership expansion, the meeting marks strengthening of strategic partnership between WUACD and COMSTECH. This collaboration will open wider opportunities for universities in development of education, research, and community empowerment.

COMSTECH Coordinator General, Prof. Choudhary assessed that international collaboration is key to facing constantly changing future of education. “This meeting is celebration of friendship. Friendship to develop science and empower community. Building future can only be done through collaboration, because education must remain relevant amidst uncertain future,” Prof. Choudhary said. Prof. Choudhary added that future universities need to adopt various global adjustments, including flexible, project-based learning supported by artificial intelligence, while still prioritizing human skills.

New members ready to expand community service impact

WUACD commitment has received positive response from new members. Representative of Bayero University Kano, Dr Aminu Muhammad, mentions that signing of Letter of Commitment holds great significance for his institution. “The commitment we receive from UNAIR through WUACD means a lot to us. We are ready to move forward together to realize various forms of collaboration,” Dr Muhammad said.

According to Dr. Muhammad, Bayero University is ready to develop cooperation through student mobility, student exchange, and community service programs. He also invited more universities to join WUACD. “The essence of education is returning to the community and presenting real impact. Therefore, I invite more universities to join WUACD. Let’s bring wider benefits to the community,” Dr. Muhammad concluded.

Through membership expansion, partnership strengthening with COMSTECH, and formulation of organization priority programs, WUACD under UNAIR leadership further confirms its role as a global university network that delivers impactful collaboration for the world community.

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) hosted an honorary delegation from the United Arab Emirates’ Khalifa University on Thursday, June 25, 2026. The meeting, held in the Balairua Plenary Room at Campus Management Office, focused on exploring potential academic collaborations and deepening bilateral ties on the global stage.

UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, S.E., M.Si., M.Fin., led the university’s leadership team in welcoming the delegation. The Khalifa University delegation was led by Provost Prof. Bayan Sharif and Dr. Ashraf Najdawi (Acting Vice President, External Relations).

During his opening remarks, Prof. Madyan expressed immense pride in hosting representatives from one of the UAE’s leading higher education institutions. He noted that the timing of the visit was particularly auspicious, aligning with a major milestone for the Indonesian university.

“We are delighted and deeply honored by this visit, which comes at a momentous time as Universitas Airlangga celebrates a significant leap in the QS World University Rankings, climbing from 287th to 276th globally,” Prof. Madyan said.

Prof. Madyan emphasized that this milestone underscores UNAIR’s enduring commitment to elevating educational quality, research output, and global prestige. He expressed optimism that both institutions would translate these discussions into actionable programs that deliver meaningful outcomes for their respective academic communities.

Responding to the warm welcome, Prof. Sharif praised UNAIR’s hospitality and offered high commendations for the institution. He shared his impressions of the campus alongside a brief overview of Khalifa University’s own rapid institutional growth. “Thank you very much for hosting us. It is an immense honor and pleasure to visit Universitas Airlangga, and this marks my very first time traveling to Indonesia,” Prof. Sharif noted.

He expressed great admiration for the sheer scale of UNAIR, which was founded in 1954, contrasting it with his own institution’s trajectory. “Reviewing your university’s metrics is truly remarkable, especially considering we are a relatively young institution preparing to celebrate our 10th anniversary next year,” he added.

Closing the session, Prof. Sharif warmly embraced UNAIR’s proposed collaborative frameworks and affirmed his institution’s readiness to formalize the partnership. “We are thrilled to be here, and the proposed areas of cooperation align perfectly with our strategic goals. We share a deep commitment and look forward to working closely with UNAIR to advance these joint initiatives,” he concluded.

Musculoskeletal disorders linked to modern lifestyle changes became the focus of an international community service program organized by doctoral students from the Faculty of Medicine (FK) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR). The interactive educational outreach and consultation services were held at the Pusat Komuniti Limpahan Kasih One Stop Centre Aman Bistari in Puchong, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Wednesday (May 20, 2026).

The session on the importance of maintaining bone density across all age groups, from children to older adults, was delivered by dr. Zainurrahman Kurnia Putra, SpOT, MKedKlin. He emphasized the growing number of musculoskeletal complaints caused by sedentary habits, including prolonged sitting.

“Every physical activity matters. Daily movement can serve as a long-term investment in bone density, helping prevent bone fragility later in life. Every move matters,” dr. Zainurrahman said.

In addition to the educational presentation, the student delegation also provided one-on-one consultation sessions. One senior participant, Rabaah, 55, used the opportunity to seek advice regarding physical discomfort and ways to maintain joint mobility in older age.

The lively and successful event was made possible through the strong collaboration of 18 doctoral students from FK UNAIR. The delegation reflected interdisciplinary teamwork involving physicians, midwives, nurses, medical laboratory technologists, researchers, lecturers, and public health specialists. Team members worked together to facilitate consultations, guide participants, and assist children during movement simulations.

The engaging format of the educational session generated enthusiasm among attendees. Fatin Nur Huda, 11, said she greatly enjoyed the program. “It was really exciting! Now I want to join more running competitions and activities so I can exercise more often,” she said.

Zahwa Arsy Azzahra, ST, MSi, a public relations representative for the International Community Service and Student Outbound Program of the Doctoral Program in Medical Science, said the team intentionally expanded information dissemination through media platforms to strengthen promotive and preventive health education efforts.

“We hope the message about maintaining physical health from childhood through old age can reach a broader community,” she said.

The Faculty of Nursing (FKp) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has further strengthened its international academic network through a Full-Time Staff Outbound program at the Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University (PSU) in Thailand, held from May 18–22, 2026. The initiative was part of an ongoing international research initiative titled “Decision-Making Support Model for ICU Nurses in Providing Culturally Based Palliative Care.”

Representing FKp UNAIR were Dr Yulis Setiya Dewi Skep Ns MNg and Dr Ninuk Dian Kurniawati SKep Ns MANP. During the five-day program, the delegation engaged in a series of academic activities with PSU faculty members, including joint research discussions, collaborative data analysis, research model development, and meetings aimed at exploring future strategic partnerships.

According to Dr. Yulis Setiya Dewi, the program was intended to enhance the quality of the ongoing study while creating broader opportunities for international collaboration in critical care and palliative nursing research. “Through intensive exchanges with PSU researchers, we gained valuable academic perspectives that will contribute to refining the Decision-Making Support Model for ICU nurses delivering cultural-based palliative care,” she said.

At a Joint Research Meeting on May 19, 2026, research teams from both universities reviewed findings from quantitative and qualitative studies and conducted collaborative data analysis to strengthen the reliability and rigor of the research. The discussions also produced a framework for developing two manuscripts that are expected to be submitted to internationally recognized academic journals.

Expanding double-degree initiatives

Beyond research collaboration, the UNAIR delegation met with PSU’s Deputy Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Deputy Dean for International Affairs. The discussions focused on opportunities to establish double-degree and joint-degree programs at the graduate level. The meetings also explored potential collaborative projects in cardiovascular critical and emergency care, as well as aesthetic nursing research, an area in which PSU has established significant academic expertise.

On May 21, 2026, the UNAIR delegation participated in a strategic meeting with the leadership of PSU’s Faculty of Nursing. The session resulted in a mutual commitment to expand cooperation in research, international publications, faculty and student exchanges, and the development of long-term global academic partnerships.

A notable outcome of the visit was the addition of two international scholars from PSU to FKp UNAIR’s Academic Peer List (APL): Prof. Dr. Waraporn Kongsuwan, a specialist in Critical Care Nursing, and Dr. Kanthima Meesoonthorn, an expert in Cardiovascular Nursing. Their participation is expected to further support the faculty’s internationalization efforts and strengthen the quality of its scholarly publications.

The program also reinforced existing international agreements, generated plans for future joint research initiatives, and opened discussions on postgraduate co-supervision, student exchange opportunities, scientific writing summer camps, and staff mobility programs.

Through the Full-Time Staff Outbound initiative, the Faculty of Nursing at UNAIR reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the internationalization of higher education and enhancing the university’s standing as a globally engaged institution through impactful academic and research collaborations.

The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) reaffirmed its commitment to coastal conservation by organizing an international community service program focused on mangrove planting in the Gunung Anyar Mangrove area in Surabaya on Wednesday (May 7, 2026).

The initiative brought together 80 students and five international lecturers from universities in Malaysia,  including Universiti Malaya, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi MARA, and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia,  as well as from Thailand’s Kasetsart University and Silpakorn University. The event also involved 20 members of the academic community from FPK UNAIR’s undergraduate programs in Aquaculture and Fisheries Product Technology, along with graduate programs in Fisheries Product Biotechnology and Fisheries Science. Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Ir. Endang Dewi Masithah, M.P., and seven faculty members also attended the activity.

FPK UNAIR lecturer Ayulana Nafisyah, PhD, said the program represented a concrete contribution to sustainable coastal ecosystem rehabilitation efforts. Participants planted 100 mangrove seedlings in coastal areas that had previously been converted into aquaculture ponds.

She explained that the activity aimed to reforest the land and restore the ecological role of mangroves in maintaining environmental balance across terrestrial, estuarine, and marine ecosystems. “Beyond acting as a natural defense against coastal erosion and seawater intrusion, mangroves also provide habitats for aquatic species that support the sustainability of marine resources,” she said. Before the planting session, she also briefed participants on the ecological importance of mangroves.

The international community service program formed part of the university’s tridharma mission, particularly in the areas of community engagement and the internationalization of higher education. The participation of international students also reflected FPK UNAIR’s efforts to strengthen global collaboration centered on environmental sustainability issues. Cross-cultural interactions throughout the event further enriched participants’ learning experiences, particularly in understanding the challenges surrounding coastal ecosystem conservation in Indonesia.

During the program, participants were divided into groups to plant mangrove seedlings directly within the rehabilitation site. Prior to planting, the Gunung Anyar Mangrove management team provided guidance on the significance of mangrove ecosystems and proper planting techniques to ensure healthy seedling growth. Participants remained highly enthusiastic throughout the activity, especially as they became directly involved in coastal conservation efforts.

Vice Dean III Annur Ahadi Abdillah, SPi, MSi, PhD, said the initiative was designed not only to protect the environment but also to build collective awareness among students about the importance of sustainable coastal ecosystems. He added that the involvement of international students served as an important opportunity to strengthen global partnerships while introducing Indonesia’s conservation practices to the international community.

The activity also received recognition from the Head of the Surabaya Mangrove Botanical Garden Technical Implementation Unit (UPT), as reflected in an official certificate of appreciation. In addition to its ecological impact, the program served as an educational platform for students to better understand the importance of sustainable coastal resource management.

Through hands-on field experience, participants learned that conservation extends beyond theory and requires concrete action as well as collaboration among multiple stakeholders to ensure environmental sustainability. The program also aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 on Climate Action through coastal rehabilitation as a natural carbon sink, SDG 14 on Life Below Water by supporting coastal habitats and marine biodiversity, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals through international collaboration among students and academic communities from different countries. Through the initiative, FPK UNAIR hopes to continue fostering environmental conservation awareness and contribute positively to the long-term sustainability of coastal ecosystems.