UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Hosts Strategic Benchmarking Session with UINSGD Delegation to Showcase Innovative International Office Framework and Scholarship Program Implementation
Cirebon, 14 August 2025 – The International Office of UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung (UINSGD) conducted a benchmarking visit to the International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC). The meeting was held at the International Office on the 5th floor of the Cyber Building, beginning at 10:00 WIB. This visit marked a significant step in fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between the two institutions in the field of international student management and administrative practices. 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 atmosphere was one of openness and academic camaraderie, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing internationalization in Islamic higher education.
The session began with a warm introduction from both International Offices, highlighting their respective structures, core mandates, and operational approaches. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Director of the International Office UINSSC, delivered a comprehensive overview of the office’s functions, emphasizing its role in coordinating international student recruitment, scholarship management, and inter-divisional collaboration. The UINSSC team explained its streamlined administrative workflow, particularly in handling online applications and digital documentation for international students. Special attention was given to the integration of academic, financial, and student affairs units to ensure a seamless experience for prospective and enrolled international scholars. This foundational exchange provided a clear picture of how UINSSC manages its international operations with efficiency.
A central topic of discussion was the recruitment and management of international students under the Syekh Nurjati Global Excellence Scholarship (SN-GES) 2025). UINSSC shared its experience in designing and implementing this comprehensive scholarship program, which offers full benefits, including tuition coverage, living allowances, and health insurance for the first two years of study, with renewal based on academic performance. The selection process is conducted entirely online, ensuring accessibility for applicants from diverse geographical regions. The office also discussed its ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional branding to better communicate the value and opportunities available to global students. These insights were received with keen interest by the UINSGD delegation, who recognized the importance of clear messaging and digital outreach in attracting high-caliber international candidates.
The conversation further explored best practices in administrative sustainability and institutional identity. UINSSC introduced its newly launched International Office logo, which was unveiled a month prior to the visit. Inspired by the BIMA Framework (Bridging Intelligent Mindfulness and Awareness) developed by Professor Rudolf Wirawan, the logo features the letter “I” shaped like the Arabic alif, symbolizing spiritual grounding, while the “O” is designed as a spiral cosmology, representing continuous intellectual and moral growth. This rebranding reflects UINSSC’s vision of integrating ethical values, local wisdom, and global engagement into its international mission. The logo has since become a unifying symbol in all official communications, reinforcing the office’s identity and purpose in the international academic landscape. As Lala Bumela, Ph.D. stated during the discussion, “We want our international office to be more than just an administrative unit. We want it to represent a space where global learning and Islamic values come together in a meaningful way.”
Both offices also exchanged perspectives on student integration, academic support, and long-term planning for sustainable internationalization. UINSSC emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for international students, from pre-arrival guidance to on-campus assistance. The office shared its approach to academic mentoring, cultural orientation, and coordination with campus housing units to ensure a smooth transition for new students. While challenges exist in balancing scalability with resource limitations, UINSSC remains committed to refining its systems and processes to uphold high standards of service and academic excellence. The discussion underscored a shared belief that effective international office management requires not only administrative precision but also empathy, cultural sensitivity, and strategic foresight.
The visit concluded on a note of mutual appreciation and shared vision. The UINSSC team expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host their counterparts from UINSGD and highlighted the value of such exchanges in strengthening institutional capacity. Both parties agreed that regular dialogue and knowledge-sharing between International Offices are essential for navigating the evolving landscape of global higher education. As UINSSC continues to develop its international programs, it remains open to meaningful collaboration and mutual learning with sister institutions. This benchmarking session not only deepened professional ties but also reaffirmed a collective commitment to excellence, integrity, and inclusivity in international student management.
Author: Resa Diah Gayatri