Transforming Indonesian Mathematics Education Through International Cooperation: UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Explores Partnership Opportunities with SEAQIM for Curriculum Development and Teacher Capacity Building
Cirebon, August 6, 2025 – In line with its vision of becoming a world-class university, Universitas Islam Negeri Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC) continues to pursue collaborations with prestigious international institutions. The International Office of UINSSC held an online meeting to explore potential partnership opportunities with SEAMEO Regional Centre for QITEP in Mathematics (SEAQIM). This strategic meeting builds upon UINSSC's existing collaboration with the International Cultural Communication Center Malaysia (ICCCM) and represents the university's ongoing commitment to transforming mathematics education. The collaboration aims to address critical gaps in mathematics curriculum development and teacher training through international cooperation. This initiative demonstrates UINSSC's dedication to achieving excellence in education while maintaining its position as a leader in international academic partnerships.
The meeting was attended by key representatives from UINSSC, including Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Director of the International Office; Dr. Muhamad Ali Misri, M.Si., Head of Mathematics Study Program; and Arif Abdul Haqq, S.Si., M.Pd., Head of Mathematics Education Study Program. From ICCCM and ITEA as a catalyst, Mr. Ivan Chabibilah, M.Li., participated to facilitate the collaboration. Representing SEAQIM, the Director, Dr. Sri Wulandari Danoebroto; and Ms. Puji Iryanti, Deputy Director for Administration, joined the discussion. The diverse representation from all three institutions highlighted the collaborative nature of this initiative and the shared commitment to improving mathematics education. This multi-stakeholder approach ensures that various perspectives are considered in developing comprehensive partnership strategies.
Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. opened the meeting by presenting the history of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon as the first Cyber Islamic University (CIU) in Indonesia, which originated from IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, and highlighted Mr. Ivan's role as a catalyst for UINSSC's international collaborations. He emphasized that both Dr. Ali and Mr. Arif would serve as connectors for mathematics-related collaborations with SEAQIM, with hopes to expand cooperation to other SEAMEO QITEP institutions. The Director also shared several international collaborations currently being developed through UINSSC's International Office, including the groundbreaking Double Track program and German Centre partnership. These successful partnerships demonstrate UINSSC's capability in managing complex international initiatives and provide a strong foundation for expanding collaborations in mathematics education. "We believe that through partnerships like this, we can create something truly transformative that will benefit not just our students, but mathematics education across the entire region," Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. stated during his opening remarks.
During his presentation, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. raised critical questions about the current state of mathematics education in Indonesia and its parallels with language education challenges. He inquired whether mathematics education faces similar issues where despite multiple curriculum changes, innovative curriculum development remains elusive. He questioned whether mathematics education is overly focused on memorization and numbers rather than practical application in daily life. He emphasized the urgent need for curriculum innovation through international collaboration, exploring possibilities such as digital learning and other transformative approaches. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. expressed hope that partnerships with institutions like SEAQIM could create revolutionary pedagogical approaches that transform how mathematics is taught and learned.
Mr. Ivan Chabibilah from ICCCM emphasized that ICCCM and ITEA focus on facilitating and catalyzing higher education collaborations, particularly among universities across the region. He stressed that ICCCM has been supporting UINSSC's internationalization efforts from the beginning and sees tremendous potential in the mathematics education collaboration with SEAQIM. Mr. Ivan suggested exploring various collaborative activities and events that could be developed between UINSSC's mathematics programs and SEAQIM. His role as a catalyst ensures that the partnership development process is smooth and strategically aligned with both institutions' goals.
Dr. Muhamad Ali Misri shared his experience in collaborating with mathematics lecturers from ASEAN countries, though he acknowledged that establishing international partnerships in mathematics education remains challenging. He expressed hope that this meeting would serve as a catalyst for UINSSC's mathematics study program to build stronger international connections. Mr. Arif Abdul Haqq mentioned that the Mathematics Education Study Program is planning to hold a seminar and hopes that collaboration with SEAQIM could enhance the quality of the event. He noted that further discussions would be needed to determine whether this collaboration could be integrated into the upcoming LIMAS or planned for the following year. Both program heads demonstrated enthusiasm for the potential partnership and its impact on their students' educational experiences.
Dr. Sri Wulandari Danoebroto from SEAQIM explained that SEAMEO refers to SDGs point number 4, which focuses on quality education and improving learning outcomes across Southeast Asia. She clarified that while SEAMEO operates under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, it does not limit collaborations with higher education institutions. QITEP focuses on in-service teacher training, primarily targeting practicing teachers rather than pre-service teachers, though collaborations with lecturers are also possible. SEAQIM has previously conducted training programs at various universities, including Universitas Muhammadiyah Cirebon, demonstrating their experience in higher education partnerships. Dr. Sri emphasized that SEAMEO functions as an NGO dedicated to improving education quality through capacity-building programs and international cooperation.
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding of the potential for collaboration between UINSSC and SEAQIM in mathematics education development. Both parties recognized the importance of addressing the gaps in mathematics curriculum innovation and teacher training through international cooperation. The discussion laid the foundation for future collaborative activities that could transform mathematics education in Indonesia while strengthening UINSSC's position as a leader in international educational partnerships. This exploration of partnership opportunities demonstrates UINSSC's commitment to achieving its vision of excellence and global recognition. The initiative promises to create lasting impact on mathematics education quality and contribute to the broader goal of educational transformation in the Southeast Asian region.
Authors: Resa Diah Gayatri and Farah Syifa Mutiara Riyadi