Strategic Institutional Partnership Development Unfolds as the International Office of UINSGD Visits International Office of UINSSC to Explore Collaborative Opportunities in Global Education and Regional Academic Networking
Cirebon, 14 August 2025 – The International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC) hosted a benchmarking visit from the International Office of UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung (UINSGD). The meeting was held at the International Office on the 5th floor of the Cyber Building, at 10.00 a.m. While the primary focus was on the recruitment and management of international students, the discussion naturally expanded into a meaningful dialogue about future collaboration between the two institutions. This visit not only served as a platform for administrative learning but also planted the seeds for a stronger regional network among Islamic universities in West Java. The International Office of UINSSC team, including Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. (the Director), Ivo Dinasta Yanuar, M.Appling (The Secretary), and Ghina Amaliyah Sholihah, S.Sos. warmly welcomed the delegation, led by Dr. H. Munir, MA. (Director of UINSGD’s International Office), alongside Dr. Gina Giftia Azmiana Delilah, M.Ag. (Secretary of UINSGD’s International Office) Budiman Eko Wibowo, S.Sos., M.Ag, and Aneu Nandya Indayanti, S.Pd., M.Pd.
The session began with both offices sharing their respective approaches to international student management. UINSSC presented its fully online recruitment system and the Syekh Nurjati Global Excellence Scholarship (SN-GES) 2025, which offers comprehensive support for the first two years of study. UINSGD, in turn, shared its experience in managing international students from Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan, and emphasized the importance of structured coordination between the International Office and other campus units.
One of the most promising outcomes of the visit was the invitation from UINSGD for UINSSC to participate in Grafitacy, a regional international event organized by UIN Raden Fatah. This initiative brings together Islamic universities across Indonesia to strengthen institutional networks, showcase global programs, and promote student and faculty engagement. The invitation was warmly received by the UINSSC team as a valuable opportunity to increase visibility and build partnerships beyond their immediate campus. Participating in such events could lead to joint booths, co-hosted workshops, or even collaborative research presentations, allowing both universities to amplify their international presence through collective effort.
The conversation then shifted toward the possibility of establishing a regular coordination forum for International Offices in West Java. Given the proximity and shared goals of UINSSC and UINSGD, both parties see great potential in creating a structured space for ongoing dialogue. As Mr. Munir from UINSGD stated during the meeting, “We hope that in the future, there can be regular meetings among International Offices, not only when there is an urgent need, but also for mutual support, exchanging experiences, and even planning programs together.”
Both offices also discussed practical opportunities for joint programs, including student mobility and language initiatives. UINSSC shared its recent German Language Launching Program, developed in collaboration with Global Catalyst e.V. and the German Chamber of Commerce in the Black Forest region. The program allows students to gain language proficiency and earn academic recognition through RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). Notably, it is also open to Indonesian Azubi (vocational trainees) currently in Germany, enabling them to transfer their experience into formal credits at UINSSC. UINSGD expressed interest in exploring similar models, especially for students from South Africa who show strong interest in science and technology fields. This exchange highlighted how academic programs can be designed to serve both local and global communities.
The visit concluded with a shared commitment to move from discussion to action. What began as a benchmarking session evolved into a strategic conversation about solidarity, sustainability, and shared growth in international higher education. UINSSC expressed sincere appreciation for the openness and professionalism of the UINSGD delegation. Both parties agreed to maintain communication and explore concrete follow-up steps, including joint participation in Grafitacy and the development of a regional IO network. As Islamic universities navigating the global academic landscape, this partnership reflects more than administrative alignment, it embodies a shared vision of building bridges through education, rooted in mutual respect, regional kinship, and a commitment to excellence.
Authors: Resa Diah Gayatri, Nurhusni Yusriyyah Yumna, and Cindi Aulia