International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Takes the Lead in Shaping Substantive Global Partnership
Cirebon, May 23, 2025 — The International Office of UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC), led by its Director, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph. D., is taking bold steps to align with national strategies for internationalization. This initiative follows the recent Rapat Kerja Pimpinan (RAKERPIM) held on May 21–23, 2025, where university leaders across UINSSC gathered to strengthen the institution’s roadmap toward becoming an excellent and globally recognized university. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., representing the International Office, shared several key takeaways from the forum and emphasized the office’s strategic position in translating vision into action.
One of the most crucial points raised during the forum was the call from the Directorate General of Islamic Education (DirJen PenDis) that campus internationalization must be at the heart of achieving world-class status. This goes beyond visibility; it requires meaningful engagement and programs that carry academic and cultural depth. According to Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph. D., “We cannot achieve a global standard if our collaborations are only ceremonial—we must design initiatives that are impactful and mutually beneficial.”
In response to this national direction, the International Office UINSSC is committed to becoming the leading unit in fostering and executing substantive international programs. Under the directorship of Lala B. Sudimantara, Ph. D., the office is already building groundwork for partnerships that focus on academic exchanges, cross-border research, and institutional innovation. As the university’s gateway to the global stage, the International Office will serve not only as a facilitator but also as the core iver of international transformation at UINSSC.
Lala B. Sudimantara, Ph. D., also highlighted a key development expected in 2026: the launch of a new initiative by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (KEMENAG) known as the Visiting Lecturer Program. This program will require Indonesian professors to teach overseas for short-term periods, offering a unique opportunity for knowledge diplomacy and global academic exchange. “This is a form of internationalizing not just the university, but the nation,” he explained during a morning preparation meeting with the Global Engagement Team.
Furthermore, recognizing the power of digital presence in today’s academic landscape, Lala B. Sudimantara, Ph. D., urged the Global Engagement Team to improve and refine the International Office’s social media platforms. He noted that these platforms are not merely tools for promotion but must serve as meaningful windows into UINSSC’s global aspirations. “We must create content that is not only visually engaging, but also rich in substance—something that represents who we are and where we are going,” he affirmed.
This emphasis on media presence is also part of UINSSC’s broader goal of digital transformation or ‘siberisasi’ as framed in the university’s strategic vision. Through curated storytelling, highlights of international collaborations, and educational campaigns, the International Office hopes to strengthen UINSSC’s global profile and engage more international partners, students, and scholars in the years ahead.
The RAKERPIM insights have provided renewed clarity and purpose to the International Office’s mission. The discussions served as a reminder that internationalization is not a single event, but a process requiring commitment, collaboration, and creativity. With the leadership of the director and the support of the Global Engagement Team, UINSSC is well-positioned to become a proactive player on the international higher education stage.
As UINSSC moves forward, the International Office remains committed to translating institutional vision into meaningful action—bridging ideas, people, and nations through strategic, ethical, and academic international engagement.
Author: Farah Syifa Mutiara Riyadi