Building a Global Network: International Office Performance Update on Welcoming International Students and Preparing for AsiaCall 2025
Cirebon, September 15, 2025 – The International Office held a pivotal coordination meeting at the Rektorat Building, led by Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D, Director of the International Office, and attended by key members of the Global Engagement Team. The session brought together passionate staff, coordinators, and student interns dedicated to advancing UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon’s global footprint. With AsiaCall 2025 just around the corner and several international programs in motion, the room buzzed with focused energy and collaborative spirit. Every agenda item reflected the office’s commitment to excellence, from scholarship management to seamless event execution. “We’re not just organizing, we’re representing our university on a world stage,” said Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D, setting the tone for the day.
One of the highlights was an update on the Syekh Nurjati Global Excellence Scholarship (SN-GES) and the growing number of international students choosing UINSSC as their academic home. In 2024, a total of 10 international students successfully enrolled, and that number has increased to 12 in 2025. Most of them pursuing undergraduate (S1) programs. Notably, one postgraduate (S2) student joined from Egypt, and another doctoral (S3) candidate also enrolled this year. These numbers reflect the rising appeal of our campus and the effectiveness of our global outreach. The team is now ensuring all incoming students complete essential requirements, including the SINDI application and Study Permit (Surat Izin Belajar), well ahead of arrival.
Preparations are also underway for an upcoming meeting with partners from Nigeria, where logistics for student and guest arrivals will be discussed in detail. The team is mapping out flight itineraries, emphasizing that most international guests will land in Jakarta before traveling to Cirebon. To streamline entry, digital arrival cards are being promoted, and guidance materials are being prepared to help newcomers navigate immigration smoothly. Special attention is being given to transportation coordination, with potential collaboration with Pak Ical from Garuda Indonesia’s network to arrange group transfers. This level of detail ensures that every visitor feels welcomed from the moment they step off the plane.
Financial accountability remains a top priority, with the team finalizing the LPJ (Pertanggungjawaban Anggaran) for recent activities. The report must be submitted to Mas Wafa in Jakarta by Monday, ensuring compliance and transparency. Additionally, the orientation program report must be completed and submitted before Dhuhr prayer, reflecting the office’s discipline in documentation and time management. These administrative efforts may seem behind-the-scenes, but they form the backbone of successful international programs. Without solid reporting, even the most exciting events lose their impact.
AsiaCall 2025 continues to be the centerpiece of the International Office’s agenda, with 92 accepted abstracts, 194 authors, and participants from 14 countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, the UK, Nigeria, Egypt, Thailand, Cambodia, India, Australia, Germany, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia. The team is creating dynamic content to highlight this diversity, including a timelapse video showcasing the preparation journey and a public countdown to build anticipation. Keynote speakers have been confirmed: Prof. Hasan Khosravi, Prof. Shameem, Prof. Made Hari Santosa, Prof. Andrew Peter Lian, Ania Lian, Pham Vo Phi Ho, Jeremy White, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D, Lukman Baehaqi, Ph.D , along with Miss Nia and Miss Wulan leading workshop sessions. Each speaker brings global expertise, and their profiles will be rolled out gradually to maintain excitement.
The organizing committee is working tirelessly behind the scenes, and their efforts will also be featured in upcoming content. From designing flyers to coordinating pre-conference workshops on November 14th, every team member plays a vital role. One team member shared, “Even if it’s just a short Instagram video, we want the world to see how much heart goes into this.” Digital content will be kept simple yet impactful recorded via smartphone if needed and published on YouTube and official social media platforms. The goal is authenticity over perfection, showing real people building real connections.
As part of the campus welcome strategy, new international students will be guided to set up local bank accounts and phone numbers immediately upon arrival, ideally within their first week. This support ensures they can settle in quickly and access essential services without delay. The office will accompany them using available vehicles, making the transition as smooth as possible. These small but meaningful steps reflect the warm, family-like environment UINSSC is known for. It’s not just about academics, it’s about belonging.
With so many moving parts, from SN-GES enrollment to AsiaCall content, flight coordination, and financial reporting, the International Office stands as a hub of innovation, care, and global vision. Every task, big or small, contributes to a larger mission: putting UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon on the international map. As the team moves forward, one thing is clear: success isn’t measured just in numbers, but in the lives touched and bridges built across cultures. And that’s a story worth telling.
Author: Nurhusni Yusriyyah Yumna