International Collaboration Initiatives Between UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon through International Office and Mindanao State University, Philippines on Curriculum and Research
Cirebon, May 26, 2025 — In a groundbreaking academic engagement, the International Office and Partnership of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC) welcomed an outstanding delegation from Mindanao State University (MSU), Philippines, in a highly productive online meeting to explore future collaborations. The MSU team, widely regarded as one of the Philippines’ most respected academic institutions, was represented by Professor Najifah Macaraya, expert in Sustainable Development and curriculum reform; Professor Arlan Ravanea, senior lecturer and policy advisor; along with officers from MSU’s International Office. From the Indonesian side, the UINSSC delegation was led by Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Director of International Office and Partnership, accompanied by Dr. Wakhid Nashiruddin, senior academic and advisor; Dr. Ayus Ahmad Yusuf, M.Si., Vice Rector I of UINSSC; and Ivo Dinasta Yanuar, S.Si., M.Appling, Secretary of the International Office. Their presence and active engagement reflected a strong mutual commitment to regional academic development and internationalization, while aligning with the broader framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting inclusive partnerships and quality education for all.
The event was officially opened by Ivo Dinasta Yanuar, S.Si., M.Appling, Secretary of the International Office and Partnership UINSSC. In her address, she emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration: "This meeting is more than a formal encounter—it is a platform to shape the intellectual and cultural bonds between Indonesia and the Philippines." Her words reflected the spirit of the event, which was underscored by shared academic aspirations and institutional goodwill. The session continued with a comprehensive presentation from Mr. Lala Bumela Sudimantara Ph.D., who highlighted UINSSC’s international initiatives, particularly in curriculum innovation, research collaboration, and intercultural learning. “We are committed to making this partnership not only formal, but impactful,” he said.
A vibrant academic discussion followed, centering on curriculum alignment. Professor Arlan Ravanea raised a thoughtful question: “What particular curriculum do we plan to align, especially since in our system, Sociology and Philosophy are in separate departments?” Mr. Lala Bumela responded with clarity: “At UINSSC, Sociology is integrated with Aqidah and Philosophy under one academic cluster. This unique integration allows for interdisciplinary approaches, which we believe is a strength in today’s global academic landscape.” He further emphasized the plan to initiate international lectures, joint research, and co-publications. The idea of benchmarking each institution's curriculum emerged as a shared priority.
The discussion became increasingly collaborative. Professor Najifah Macaraya responded positively: “It will be better and possible if you can prepare a proposal and send us the Sociology curriculum. We will study the alignment with our Master of Sustainable Development.” Her suggestion set the groundwork for deeper cooperation. Dr. Wakhid Nashiruddin, a senior academic from UINSSC, added: “We believe this collaboration should go beyond discussion. We are ready to assign lecturers to teach online in English and propose modules that fit MSU’s curriculum structure.” He also emphasized the importance of mutual capacity building through teaching and co-designed content delivery.
Further support came from Dr. Ayus Ahmad Yusuf, M.Si., Vice Rector I of UINSSC, who expressed strong institutional backing. “When we make a discussion about curriculum, it's not just about structure. It's about the soul of our educational vision,” he noted. Dr. Ayus also highlighted the potential for student mobility and the development of double-degree programs in the future. His statement added a leadership dimension to the already dynamic conversation, reinforcing that the partnership has both operational and strategic value. This alignment would be part of a three-month action plan focusing on curriculum restructuring, from summative to formative evaluation models, and concluding with a proposed framework.
Both parties agreed to prepare a formal Letter of Intent (LOI) in June 2025 as a concrete step forward. MSU’s International Office confirmed that once the LOI is received, their team will proceed with internal academic consultations and review. “Let us use the LOI as our commitment marker, and from there we can transition into the MoU stage,” said Professor Najifah. UINSSC will also prepare detailed proposals for teaching collaboration and joint research. Meetings via Zoom or Google Meet will be conducted periodically to monitor progress and maintain effective communication. As part of the mutual commitment, both institutions also agreed to initiate a 3-Month Action Plan focused on curriculum alignment, which includes reviewing course structures, transitioning from summative to formative assessments, and designing a pilot framework for joint implementation.
In conclusion, the meeting marked a historic milestone for both universities. With shared values of academic excellence, cultural respect, and innovation, UINSSC and MSU are poised to create long-term impacts in regional education. “This is not just about exchanging documents,” Lala Bumela concluded. “It is about exchanging ideas, building knowledge, and shaping futures together.” The collaboration stands as a model for international academic partnership in Southeast Asia, emphasizing substance over symbolism, and vision over formality.
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir