Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continues to strengthen its institutional development as a leading university in Indonesia. One of its efforts is expanding international collaboration networks.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia recently met with several UGM alumni in Timor-Leste on Thursday, Mar. 20, 2025.
The rector stated that this meeting aimed to promote UGM’s international reputation.
“This meeting provides an opportunity for UGM to build closer ties with the alumni community in Timor-Leste,” said Rector Emilia.
In addition to reconnecting with alumni, discussions during the meeting explored potential collaborations between UGM and various institutions in Timor-Leste, ranging from research and education to the possibility of implementing an international Community Service Program (KKN-PPM) in the country.
Rector Emilia said that conducting an international KKN in Timor-Leste would offer valuable opportunities for UGM students to gain international experience and collaborate with local students to contribute to community development abroad.
“The plan to establish sustainable model villages is a key target for the KKN program, which could serve as a model for community service in underdeveloped areas of Timor-Leste,” she stated.
On this occasion, she expressed her deep appreciation for the dedication and contributions of UGM alumni in supporting the development of Timor-Leste.
“The significant number of UGM alumni holding important and strategic positions in Timor-Leste demonstrates their accountability, expertise, and credibility,” she explained.
Several alumni present at the meeting came from diverse backgrounds, including university leaders, former ministers, and members of the legislative body in Timor-Leste.
The alumni agreed to form the Gadjah Mada Alumni Family (Kagama) for the Timor-Leste region.
Manuel Vong, Rector of Dili Institute of Technology and a UGM alumnus said that UGM alumni in Timor-Leste, who come from various academic backgrounds, are expected to facilitate potential collaborations with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Timor-Leste, to accelerate human resource development and share knowledge in multi-sector development in Timor-Leste.
“We hope this meeting will mark the beginning of a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership between UGM and institutions and alumni in Timor-Leste,” said the coordinator of UGM alumni in Timor-Leste.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang
Photograph: UGM Bureau of Strategic Management