UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Builds Pathway to Japan: International Office Prepares MoU with Japanese Universities
Cirebon, June 17 2025 — An essential cooperation meeting was held at the Senate Meeting Room of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC), bringing together key university leaders and representatives from Nukita Kunci Buana. The session was led by the Rector and attended by notable figures including Mr. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph. D, Dr. Ayus Ahmad Yusuf, Prof. Dr. Hajam, M.Ag. and several other academic staffs. This meeting marked an important step for UINSSC's International Office in realizing global engagement through a potential Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japanese institutions.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC) and leading Japanese universities marks a significant step in strengthening academic and cultural collaboration between Indonesia and Japan. This partnership is not only about student mobility or employment opportunities, but also about aligning educational values and teaching practices. By engaging directly with institutions like Keio University and Nagoya University, UINSSC ensures that its Islamic academic identity remains strong while meeting international standards.
A key focus of the MoU is curriculum alignment to better prepare UINSSC students for academic and professional life in Japan. Discussions emphasized integrating UINSSC’s strengths, such as students’ discipline and memorization skills, with Japanese pedagogical approaches that prioritize critical thinking and practical application. This mutual exchange aims to equip students from both sides with the competencies needed to succeed in cross-cultural learning environments and global careers.
The agreement also lays the foundation for student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and dual-degree programs. These opportunities will allow students to grow academically, culturally, and spiritually in a global context. As part of UINSSC’s broader internationalization strategy, this MoU represents a meaningful step toward building long-term, values-driven partnerships with top universities in Japan and beyond.
Mr. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., emphasized that this partnership reflects the university’s progressive approach to internationalization. “We are not just pursuing symbolic cooperation,” he said. “We are preparing real pathways for our students to thrive globally, and that starts with the strength of our academic and professional networks.” His statement highlighted the institutional commitment to turning international agreements into meaningful opportunities for the entire academic community.
The meeting also introduced a potential partnership with renowned institutions such as Keio University and Nagoya University. A formal MoU was presented during the session as a first step toward concrete collaboration. This written agreement would not only facilitate outbound mobility but also serve as a foundation to invite Japanese students to pursue undergraduate, master's, or doctoral studies at UINSSC in the future.
Mr. Fukui Daisuke, one of the Japanese representatives, revealed that there is currently a demand for 430,000 skilled employees in Japan, particularly in indoor sectors. This opens a large-scale opportunity for Indonesian youth, including those from UINSSC, to fulfill these global needs while gaining international exposure.
The International Office plays a central role in making this vision a reality. By fostering international partnerships and aligning academic preparation with global labor markets, it ensures UINSSC is not only locally rooted but globally relevant. This meeting is a milestone in building long-term, reciprocal academic and professional opportunities between Indonesia and Japan.
Author: Cyrila Zahra Tsania