Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Professor Ova Emilia, received an award from the Government of Timor-Leste in recognition of the exceptional contributions that Universitas Gadjah Mada has made to the country and its people. The award was presented directly by the President of Timor-Leste, José Manuel Ramos-Horta, at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace in Dili, Timor-Leste, on Thursday (Nov. 27).
“This award is not only to honor the services that have been rendered, but also to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between UGM and the people and the nation of Timor-Leste,” said President Ramos-Horta.
The award was conferred on Professor Emilia during her two-day visit to Timor-Leste from November 27 to 28, 2025. In addition to receiving the award, the rector formalized collaborations with two higher education institutions in Timor-Leste and inaugurated the Timor-Leste Kagama Executive Board for the 2025–2029 period.
Academic exchange collaborations were established between UGM and Instituto Superior Cristal, Timor-Leste, and between UGM and Instituto Profissional de Canossa, Timor-Leste.
Under these collaborations, in addition to student exchanges, there will also be opportunities for exchanges of professors and researchers, as well as joint research, guest lectures, conferences, seminars, symposia, and other academic activities.
Director of Community Service, Dr. Rustamaji, who was part of the delegation, expressed his gratitude for the recognition from the Government and people of Timor-Leste. He stated that this highest honor signifies an acknowledgment of UGM’s contributions to improving the quality of education in Timor-Leste.
“The opening of opportunities for Timor-Leste citizens to pursue higher education at UGM is a concrete example of UGM’s contribution,” said Dr. Rustamaji.
Meanwhile, during the inauguration of the Timor-Leste Kagama Executive Board, the 2025–2029 board was officially formed.
The executive lineup includes Dr. Manuel Florencio da Canossa Vong (Chair), Dr. Brigida Correia (Vice Chair), Hercio Camilho Fernades Xavier (Secretary), and Margaretta Evy MD da Silva (Treasurer), along with other board members.
Head of the UGM Alumni Office, Dr. Sulistyowati, also expressed her gratitude for the award received by Professor Emilia. She further conveyed her appreciation for the establishment of the 2025–2029 Timor-Leste Kagama Executive Board.
According to Dr. Sulistyowati, the formation of this board reflects the growing number of UGM alumni contributing to Timor-Leste across various government and private sectors, ultimately inspiring the creation of Kagama Timor-Leste.
“The members of Kagama Timor-Leste come from diverse academic backgrounds, and the Government of Timor-Leste, through the Deputy Prime Minister, hopes that they can contribute their ideas and expertise for the advancement of Timor-Leste,” she stated.
From Dr. Sulistyowati’s perspective, UGM’s support for Kagama Timor-Leste can serve as a bridge strengthening cooperation between the governments of Timor-Leste and Indonesia. Currently, approximately 3,000 UGM alumni live and work in Timor-Leste.
“Through UGM and Kagama Timor-Leste, we hope to enhance collaboration between Timor-Leste and Indonesia. One of the board’s primary programs following this inauguration is updating the alumni database. There are an estimated 3,000 alumni, but only 300 have been recorded,” she added.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya