UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Officially Launches German Centre, Pioneering German Education in Indonesian Higher Learning
Cirebon, August 3, 2025 – In a historic milestone for Indonesian higher education, UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon officially launched the revolutionary German Centre – an autonomous unit designed to manage all aspects of German educational initiatives. This groundbreaking center, unveiled during a special ceremony at the International Office on the fifth floor of the Cyber Building, represents a unique collaborative partnership between UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon and Global Katalyst e.V. The launch marked the beginning of a new era in German language education and vocational training, positioning the university at the forefront of international educational innovation.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Prof. Dr. Hajam, M.Ag., Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation, who officially launched the German Centre during the historic event. Also present were key institutional leaders: Head of the Language Development Center (UPT Pusat Bahasa), Dra. Hj. Darrotul Jannah; Secretary of the Language Development Center, Zaenal Mutaqin, M.I.Kom.; Dr. Nana Priajana, Coordinator of the English Language Division at the Language Development Center; the Head of Career Development Center, Wahyono, M.Pd.I.; and International Office leadership including Director Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. Ivo Dinasta Yanuar, M.A. (Secretary), and Ghina Amaliyah Sholihah, S.Sos. Representing Global Katalyst were the accomplished Ruwanti Wulandari, M.Pd.I., and the expert Prime Language Course (PLC) teaching team. Joining via Zoom were representatives from Global Katalyst: Doddy Kadarisman (Director), and Cahyantari Eka Putri.
The German Centre stands as a completely independent unit with the specific mission of overseeing all German educational programs, including the newly launched Double Track program. What makes this center truly revolutionary is its innovative approach to student engagement – it will recruit UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati students as interns to manage various aspects of the Germany Double Track program. This unique model provides students with invaluable real-world work experience while directly contributing to the center's operations and the success of German educational initiatives.
Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. shared his vision for the center's transformative potential, emphasizing its inclusive nature and focus on practical experience. "I hope this center will open doors for our students to actively participate in real-work experiences," he stated enthusiastically. "What makes this initiative special is that it doesn't require students to have a background in German or any specific field – as long as they have the willingness to learn, they can contribute and grow." His remarks highlighted how the German Centre embodies the core principles of employability by providing practical experience that bridges the gap between academic learning and professional readiness.
Prof. Dr. Hajam, M.Ag., Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation, emphasized the significance of this initiative during his address. "The German Centre represents our commitment to providing our students with pathways to success that extend far beyond traditional academic boundaries," he declared. His official launch of the center marked the beginning of a new chapter in the university's international collaboration efforts, symbolizing the institution's revolutionary approach to student development and global engagement. The Vice Rector underscored that this center would transform student outcomes while establishing UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon as a leader in innovative educational partnerships.
The German Centre's comprehensive structure allows students from any discipline to participate as interns, managing various aspects of the Double Track program while gaining practical experience in international education management. This approach directly addresses the employability challenge by providing students with real-world skills and professional experience that will set them apart in the job market. The center will serve as a hub for German language learning, cultural exchange, and professional development, creating a complete ecosystem that supports students throughout their German educational journey. This revolutionary model ensures that participants gain not only language and cultural competencies but also practical management experience that enhances their overall employability.
This historic launch establishes the German Centre as a pioneering initiative in Indonesian higher education, creating unprecedented opportunities for students to gain international experience while contributing meaningfully to educational program management. The center's innovative structure demonstrates UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon's commitment to preparing students for success in the global marketplace through hands-on learning opportunities. As the first of its kind in the Indonesian Perguruan Tinggi Keagamaan Islam Negeri (PTKIN), the German Centre represents a transformative step forward in international educational collaboration and student-centered learning approaches.
Author: Resa Diah Gayatri