Members of the Parliament and representatives from the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Indonesia visited the Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) on Thursday (May 15) at the UGM Central Office.
The courtesy visit, led by Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Jan Skopeček, discussed potential cooperation in education and research between the two countries.
“This meeting could open up further opportunities beyond student exchange, including joint research programs,” said UGM Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, in a press statement.
Deputy Speaker Jan Skopeček expressed his willingness to facilitate partnerships between UGM and Czech universities.
“I’m very pleased to assist UGM in collaborating with various universities in the Czech Republic,” he said.
UGM Vice-Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, stated that student exchange programs are very feasible as they offer students the opportunity to engage and gain knowledge about international cultures.
A similar point was conveyed by Professor Puji Astuti, Director of Partnerships and Global Relations, who also outlined the challenges that may arise in implementing student exchange programs, particularly in terms of tuition funding following the discontinuation of the IISMA program in Indonesia this year.
During the visit, both parties also agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, particularly in advancing smart farming to support energy and environmental sustainability.
Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Indonesia, Jaroslav Doleček, emphasized the role of agriculture in providing food for the global population.
He noted that the development of smart farming can be accelerated with continuous technological advancements.
“Sometimes, farmers are still trapped in outdated mindsets. They need to be educated, and that education should begin here, on campus,” he explained.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Firsto Adi