The Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM) has launched the International Doctorate in Business (IDB), a strategic initiative aimed at cultivating future business leaders and advancing impactful business knowledge globally. The IDB program is part of FEB UGM’s Doctoral Program in Management, which has an established reputation for academic excellence. Its quality is demonstrated by its “Excellent” accreditation status from LAMEMBA and reaccreditation by AACSB International.
Dean of FEB UGM, Professor Didi Achjari, welcomed the launch of the new doctoral program.
He stated that the introduction of this program is a strategic effort to strengthen the IDB at FEB UGM.
“Through IDB, we aim to build a bridge between academia and business practice, and to create collaborative networks across sectors and countries,” he said at FEB UGM on Monday, Jun. 23, 2025.
Professor Achjari described the IDB program as a manifestation of FEB UGM’s new mission to develop future-ready leaders.
FEB UGM seeks to produce graduates who are not only academically excellent but also adaptive, ethical, and capable of creating positive impacts in an ever-evolving global environment.
According to him, internationalization plays a critical role in doctoral education.
Through collaboration with international professors and academic partners, FEB UGM is committed to delivering a world-class learning experience, not only in terms of content and research but also in strategic leadership development.
“We believe that the advancement of knowledge and business practice relies heavily on strong synergy between academics and practitioners. IDB is designed as a meeting ground for both,” he added.
Professor Nurul Indarti, Head of the Department of Management at FEB UGM, emphasized that the IDB program is specifically designed for professionals seeking to enhance both their academic and practical capacities to lead adaptive, innovative, and socially responsible organizations.
“The IDB program is crafted to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice,” she stated.
Unlike conventional doctoral programs, the IDB at FEB UGM emphasizes transdisciplinary research grounded in real-world business and societal issues while fostering a progressive academic ecosystem.
The program is supported by FEB UGM’s extensive global network, including partnerships with universities across various regions, collaborations with industry and government sectors, and guidance from highly competent professors and lecturers.
Professor Indarti added that IDB UGM has established a partnership with Hochschule Osnabrück-University of Applied Sciences.
The program’s development has also involved consultation and recognition from three internationally renowned institutions: Sasin School of Management (Thailand), Cranfield School of Management (United Kingdom), and Curtin University (Australia).
“Feedback from these institutions has significantly contributed to enhancing the academic and global relevance of the program,” she explained.
As part of its rigorous academic journey, Professor Indarti said, the IDB program will collaborate with professors from international partner universities to develop a new generation of practitioner-scholars who advance practical and socially relevant business knowledge.
The program’s affiliate professors include Professor Renato Pereira from ISCTE Business School, Professor Stein Oluf Kristiansen from the University of Agder, Professor Kai-Michael Griese from Hochschule Osnabrück–University of Applied Sciences, and Professor Kantha Dayaram from Curtin University.
By integrating academic insight, industry practice, and societal impact, graduates of the IDB program are expected to become practice-based leaders capable of addressing real business challenges with strong research capabilities.
They are envisioned to drive innovation and sustainable strategies at both organizational and policy levels, build international networks, lead in cross-cultural contexts, and contribute meaningfully to economic development and public welfare.
Furthermore, Professor Indarti explained that classes will be conducted at UGM’s Yogyakarta campus and enriched through engagements with business and industry practitioners at UGM’s Jakarta campus.
The program combines offline and online learning to accommodate executive professionals who wish to remain productive while pursuing a doctoral degree.
“This approach is tailored to suit executives aiming to balance work and doctoral studies,” she said.
The IDB program is designed to be completed in three years, beginning with two semesters of coursework.
It continues with the development of a reflective paper, international exposure through academic conferences, and the preparation of a research proposal and doctoral essay.
Applications for the program will open in August 2025, with the first cohort commencing in February 2026.
Further information about the program can be found at feb.ugm.ac.id/en/idb.
Reporter: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna