Advancing Internationalization at UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon: Strategic Partnerships, Academic Collaboration, and Global Readiness
Cirebon, May 19, 2025 — A coordination meeting was held at the International Office, 5th floor of the Cyber Building, UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon. The meeting was attended by the Director of the International Office, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Secretary of the International Office, Ivo Dinasta Yanuar, M.Ampling, and members of the Global Engagement Team (GET), including current internship students. The meeting was focused on strengthening the internationalization efforts of UIN SSC and evaluating the progress of ongoing and future programs. All participants contributed actively by sharing insights and proposing ideas to enhance global collaborations and student engagement.
One of the main points discussed was the urgent need to expand international partnerships. The team emphasized that successful internationalization requires proactive outreach to institutions and organizations abroad. This includes building long-term and strategic partnerships that go beyond ceremonial events. By fostering more meaningful cooperation, faculty and students at UIN SSC will have greater opportunities to engage in academic exchanges, joint research, and international publication. This approach is aligned with UIN SSC’s vision to become a globally recognized institution.
The meeting also discussed the importance of collaborating with ASEANACA – The ASEAN Academic Association. This organization provides platforms such as journal competitions and abstract presentations, which can greatly benefit UIN SSC students and faculty members. It was proposed that formal collaboration with ASEANACA be initiated to further support UIN SSC’s international academic agenda. This initiative will allow students to participate in regional academic forums and showcase their research, enhancing both their skills and the university’s reputation. ASEANACA's programs are seen as highly compatible with the academic goals of UIN SSC.
In terms of infrastructure and support systems, the team addressed the need for clearer guidelines regarding international students. A suggestion was made to upload a comprehensive guidebook for international student admission on the university website to streamline the registration and onboarding process. Furthermore, the need for a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) document for lecturers teaching international students was discussed. This SOP will help lecturers prepare and deliver inclusive and effective learning experiences for students from diverse cultural backgrounds. The International Office will coordinate the drafting and distribution of this document.
The current collaboration with institutions in the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia was also highlighted. These partnerships serve as a strong foundation for future international activities. However, participants emphasized that all international cooperation should not be limited to symbolic or ceremonial events. Instead, faculty members are encouraged to actively participate in academic publishing and research collaborations as a concrete outcome of these partnerships. The International Office will also explore more platforms to support these academic goals.
Lastly, concerns were raised about the current curriculum implementation at UIN SSC. Although the university claims to apply Outcome-Based Education (OBE), the reality does not yet reflect this approach fully. The OBE model prioritizes measurable outcomes such as student publications over traditional midterms and final exams. Therefore, adjustments in curriculum delivery and assessment methods are necessary. Additionally, the meeting noted that UIN SSC does not yet have a specific SOP for implementing the Tridharma of higher education (education and teaching, research, and community service), which is essential for academic consistency and accountability.
Author: Shofiatul Faqriyah