UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon and Global Katalyst e.V. Launch Double Track Program for International Career Development
Cirebon, May 23, 2025 — The International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC) hosted a strategic coordination meeting to launch the groundbreaking Double Track Program (Work and Study in Germany). The program is part of the broader Syekh Nurjati Global Employability Framework (SN GEF), designed to enhance the international employability of UINSSC students and alumni. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., led this milestone event. Director of the International Office emphasized the importance of preparing students for global career opportunities. “This program represents our commitment to not only academic excellence but also real-world readiness,” said Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., over a dozen university leaders and unit heads participated in the discussion.
The coordination meeting brought together key stakeholders from across the university, including Prof. Dr. Hajam (Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation), Dr. Ayus Ahmad Yusuf (Vice Rector for Academic Affairs), Doddy Kadarisman (Founder & International Director of Global Katalyst), and representatives from Career Development, Language Center, and International Interns. The International Office played a central role in organizing the session, reflecting its mission as the main gateway for international collaboration and student mobility at UINSSC. Discussions focused on the implementation mechanisms of the Double Track Program, which blends academic study with hands-on work experience in Germany. The model draws inspiration from the German dual education system known as Ausbildung.
The Double Track Program will give selected students the opportunity to study Islamic disciplines while gaining professional experience in companies located in the Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg region of Germany. This initiative is made possible through a partnership with Regionale Wirtschaftsförderung Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg (WIFOG), a regional development agency based in Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany. It aims to equip students with valuable soft skills, language proficiency, cultural adaptability, and cross-religious understanding—key competencies in today’s global workforce. The program also aligns with UIN SSC’s vision of becoming a globally recognized institution that bridges Islamic scholarship with modern vocational training.
Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., explained that this partnership marks a new chapter in UIN SSC’s international engagement. “We are proud to collaborate with Global Katalyst e.V., a respected foundation based in Stuttgart, Germany, which will help us shape regulations, design curriculum, and support candidate selection,” he said. As part of the pilot project, UIN SSC has been selected as one of four universities in Indonesia to implement the German-based employability framework starting in 2026. The International Office will coordinate all phases of the program, including recruitment, preparation, and placement of participants. This effort reinforces the office’s ongoing role in expanding global learning and employment pathways for students.
The program is also expected to lead to the establishment of the Center for German-Islamic Studies, a dedicated hub for integrating Islamic values with Germany’s world-renowned vocational education model. This center will serve as a platform for research, training, and intercultural dialogue between Indonesia and Germany. It reflects UIN SSC’s broader mission to connect traditional Islamic knowledge with contemporary global developments. The International Office will work closely with both domestic and international partners to ensure the success of this initiative.
As the planning phase begins in 2025, the International Office will focus on developing a tailored curriculum, establishing regulatory frameworks, and identifying qualified candidates for the program. Students selected for the Double Track Program will have the unique opportunity to earn both academic credits and professional experience simultaneously. The International Office will provide continuous guidance and support throughout their journey, from preparation in Cirebon to placement in Germany. This level of personalized service underscores the office’s commitment to ensuring every international opportunity is accessible and impactful. The team remains dedicated to transparency, innovation, and quality in every aspect of international engagement.
Through this collaboration with Global Katalyst e.V., UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon is setting a new benchmark for Islamic higher education in Indonesia. As the first and only UIN and PTKIN to join the German-based employability framework, the university is positioning itself as a pioneer in global career development for Muslim students. The International Office continues to lead these efforts, strengthening UINSSC’s reputation as an institution that empowers students to succeed academically and professionally on the world stage. With initiatives like the Double Track Program, UINSSC is opening doors to new possibilities and transforming the future of Islamic education.
Looking ahead, the International Office invites students and alumni to stay tuned for upcoming updates and application opportunities related to the Double Track Program. This is just the beginning of a transformative journey toward global employability and academic excellence. “We believe in nurturing talent, fostering global citizenship, and creating meaningful partnerships,” said Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. As UIN SSC continues to expand its international footprint, the International Office remains committed to guiding students toward success in both knowledge and practice, rooted in faith, driven by innovation, and inspired by global perspectives.