The Rector of the Universitas Indonesia (UI), Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D, warmly welcomed the arrival of the Vice President for International Affairs of Indiana University, Hannah Buxbaum, and the delegates on Monday, October 7, in Meeting Room A, 2nd Floor, University Administration Center Building, UI Depok Campus. The meeting aimed to follow up on opportunities for cross-field collaboration, after the meeting held in January 2024, discussing potential that could be developed. Three months later, UI sent delegates to Indianapolis and Bloomington.
According to Prof. Ari, this meeting is the right momentum to realize interdisciplinary collaboration to produce quality research and innovation. “The latest developments in the world of science encourage various disciplines to work together to resolve global issues such as climate change, energy scarcity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and health problems,” he said.
Hannah Buxbaum also expressed interest in cross-field collaboration. According to her, Indiana University is currently developing an interdisciplinary postgraduate program. The program is designed based on the United Nations’ vision of sustainable development, especially those related to artificial intelligence and climate change. “Therefore, we are very open if UI is willing to become a partner in developing the program,” said Hannah.
During a visit last April, UI, through the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) and the Faculty of Dentistry (FKG), reached an agreement with Indiana University for educational and research programs, such as joint degrees, double degrees, and joint research. In order to expand the scope of cooperation, UI invited Indiana University to participate in the summer school program which is routinely held every year. This expansion is not only limited to certain scientific fields, but also all scientific fields at UI.
Vice Dean for Academic, Research, and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Psychology UI, Dicky C. Pelupessy, Ph.D, said that Indiana University is the right partner in organizing international classes, especially for the Masters Program in Sports Psychology. The university located in the United States has complete sports facilities to support the learning process. In addition, the role of its students in the 2024 Paris Olympics is proof that Indiana University has excellence in this field.
On that occasion, the Dean of the Faculty of Law UI, Dr. Parulian Paidi Aritonang, S.H., LL.M., MPP, also explained the historical records related to the relations between Indonesia and the United States. He said that in the 60s, Soekarno and John. F. Kennedy had a very good relationship, so many law books from the United States were given as gifts to Indonesian law graduates. “This historical fact is proof that cooperation between the two countries has been established for a long time, and it is very possible for us to hold international classes together, especially related to legal science in Indonesia and the United States,” said Dr. Parulian.
The discussion then continued with the potential for expanding cooperation that can be carried out by the two universities. Also present at the discussion were representatives from UI, namely the Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, drg. Nurtami, Ph.D, Sp,OF(K); Dean of FKG, Dr. drg. Nia Ayu Ismaniati, MDSc., Sp.Ort(K); Head of the International Affairs Office, drg. Baiduri Widanarko, M.KKK, Ph.D; Vice Dean for Academic, Research, and Student Affairs of FEB, Arief Wibisono Lubis, Ph.D; and Vice Dean for Academic, Research, and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Computer Science, Ari Saptawijaya, S.Kom., M.Sc., Ph.D., as well as Faculty Managers in UI. The delegation from Indiana University who attended the meeting included Joanna M Millunchick, Patrick E. Hopkins, Miguel Ayllon, Roy Hooper, and Peter Boonjarern.
