The Faculty of Animal Science at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Animal Science UGM) has expanded its international academic and research collaboration with several universities in Australia through a working visit conducted from June 15 to 19. During the visit, the Animal Science UGM’s delegation, led by Dean Professor Budi Guntoro and faculty member Ir. Tian Jihadhan Wankar, Ph.D., met with several strategic institutions in Australia, including the Northern Territory Government, the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association (NTCA), the Northern Territory Livestock Exporters Association (NTLEA), Charles Darwin University (CDU), and the University of New England (UNE). The delegation also aligned with the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in Darwin and the Education and Cultural Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Australia.
One of the key outcomes of the visit was the opening of opportunities for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students at the Animal Science UGM to participate in academic programs, research activities, and internships at various partner institutions in Australia. During meetings with CDU and UNE, the delegation discussed potential collaboration in double-degree programs, student exchanges, and interdisciplinary research initiatives.
In addition, the visit to NTCA not only strengthened the partnership that was established in 2011 but also explored opportunities for student internships at cattle ranches across the Northern Territory. The Northern Territory Government has also expressed support for the development of Indonesia–Australia cooperation in the education and livestock sectors.
According to Professor Budi, the working visit represents a strategic step toward sustainably expanding international networks while creating significant opportunities for Indonesian students and researchers to access broader resources, facilities, and global academic networks.
Professor Budi acknowledged that the visit was made possible through the support of the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in Darwin and the Education and Cultural Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Australia, enabling the collaboration to be pursued in a concrete and sustainable manner. To fulfill these commitments, the Animal Science UGM and several strategic institutions in Australia will prepare memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and memoranda of agreement (MoAs) covering student selection mechanisms, funding schemes, and plans for joint research collaborations.
“We hope these programs can be implemented in the near future,” he concluded.
Reporter: Satria, Faculty of Animal Science Public Relations
Author: M. Aidil Syahputra
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat
Photo: Faculty of Animal Science Documentation