Representing UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. Participates in Diaspora Talks Series Highlighting the Strategic Role of Indonesian Diaspora in Advancing Global Education, Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Development
Cirebon, May 14, 2026 – Representing UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon at an international academic and diaspora networking forum, Lala Bumela Sudimantara actively participated in Diaspora Talks Series 1 themed “Building Global Networks: Indonesian Diaspora Connecting Global Opportunities” and Series 2: “Information Session: Diaspora Berdampak Program.” The event was attended by numerous distinguished speakers, moderators, participants, academics, and members of the Indonesian global diaspora network, including M. Fauzan Adziman, Heri Kuswanto, Rudolf Wirawan, Mulyoto Pangestu, Yuli Rahmawati, Sarina Hanifah, Sastia, Dwi Susanto, Brad, Novana Aftasoit, Davin, Dhani, Bernard Tampubolon, and Ivan Chabibilah, S.S., M.Li., alongside Indonesian diaspora members from various countries, lecturers, researchers, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and representatives from various educational institutions and research organizations participating through Zoom Meeting. Reflecting on his participation, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. stated, “Participating in this forum represents an important commitment for UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon to continuously expand international academic engagement and strengthen collaborative opportunities with global diaspora networks for the advancement of education, research, and sustainable development.”
Amid the increasingly competitive landscape of global higher education, research, and innovation, universities in Indonesia continue to face significant challenges in building sustainable international collaboration ecosystems capable of connecting local academic potential with global opportunities. The discussions throughout Diaspora Talks Series 1 and Series 2 highlighted the persistent need for stronger institutional engagement, research partnerships, technology exchange, and internationally connected academic platforms that can accelerate Indonesia’s transformation in education, science, innovation, and sustainable development. Within this context, Lala Bumela Sudimantara demonstrated UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon’s commitment to actively engaging in strategic global discourse and diaspora collaboration initiatives despite institutional and geographical limitations.
Throughout the dialogue sessions, speakers including Bernard Tampubolon, Rudolf Wirawan, and Mulyoto Pangestu emphasized that the Indonesian diaspora should no longer be perceived merely as overseas communities, but rather as strategic national assets capable of driving global collaboration through knowledge transfer, technological innovation, international networking, and cross-border community empowerment. The discussions further explored the growing relevance of brain circulation, smart village development, circular economy initiatives, MSME empowerment, sustainability-based education, and culturally rooted development frameworks as integral components of Indonesia’s future transformation agenda. In addition, the Diaspora Berdampak Program introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology presented new pathways for connecting diaspora professionals with Indonesian universities, industries, and research institutions through initiatives such as Global REACH, Joint Research, Joint Supervision, and national strategic research consortiums.
As an active participant representing UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, Lala Bumela Sudimantara viewed the forum as a valuable opportunity to strengthen international academic diplomacy and expand collaborative possibilities for the university at the global level. He further reflected, “Global collaboration today requires universities to move beyond conventional academic boundaries and become more adaptive, internationally connected, and socially impactful. Through engagement with diaspora networks, universities are able to access broader ecosystems of innovation, research collaboration, and knowledge exchange that can contribute directly to institutional growth and societal development.”
The outcomes of both Diaspora Talks Series ultimately reinforced a shared understanding that Indonesia’s diaspora community possesses a highly strategic role in accelerating national progress across education, research, technology, economy, and sustainable development sectors. The collaborative spirit demonstrated throughout the forum reflected a growing commitment among diaspora networks, academics, government institutions, and universities to create more inclusive and flexible international cooperation models capable of generating long-term benefits for Indonesia’s academic and social transformation. Furthermore, the active participation of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon through the presence of Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. symbolized the institution’s continuous dedication to strengthening its global engagement and international academic partnerships.
Concluding his reflections after participating in the forum, Lala Bumela Sudimantara affirmed, “The future of higher education depends on the ability of institutions to build meaningful collaboration across borders while maintaining strong commitments to knowledge development, sustainability, and social contribution. UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon remains committed to becoming part of an interconnected global academic community capable of creating positive impact both nationally and internationally.”
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir