Bandung, UPI
The spirit of cross-institutional collaboration continues to grow at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI). On Tuesday (January 6), UPI welcomed a delegation from Universitas Jabal Ghafur (UNIGHA) Aceh to reinforce the implementation of previously established strategic partnerships. The meeting, held at the Partere Building, Bumi Siliwangi, marked a significant step toward transforming formal agreements into tangible actions with direct impact on educational development and community empowerment.
The session brought together key leaders from both institutions. Representing UPI were Vice Rector for Research, Community Service, and Partnerships Prof. Dr. Agus Setiabudi, M.Si., alongside the Director of the Directorate of Partnerships and International Affairs (Direktorat Kemitraan dan Urusan Internasional/DKUI) Dr. Pupung Purnawarman, M.Sc.Ed., Ph.D., and Head of the National Partnership Division Heri Puspito Diyah Setiyorini, M.M., Ph.D. Meanwhile, the UNIGHA delegation was led by Rector Dr. H. Heri Fajri, M.Pd., accompanied by Vice Rector II for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Cooperation Dr. Basri, M.Pd., Foundation Advisor Diana Devi, B.H.Sc., M.Pd., and Deputy Secretary of the Foundation Teuku Yasser, S.Psi., M.Pd.
During the constructive discussions, both parties agreed on several strategic agendas centered on human resource development and regional innovation strengthening. Key initiatives include capacity-building programs for UNIGHA lecturers through collaborative classes at UPI, student mobility programs to enrich cross-campus academic experiences, and opportunities for tripartite research collaboration involving UPI, UNIGHA, and local governments. These efforts aim to generate research-based solutions tailored to regional needs.
In addition, both institutions explored collaboration in community service, particularly for disaster-affected communities. Planned programs include psychosocial rehabilitation (trauma healing) and the development of community education models designed to enhance resilience in disaster-prone areas.
More than a ceremonial visit, the meeting underscored a shared commitment to positioning higher education institutions as active agents of development. This strategic collaboration is expected to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education through improved access and capacity building, as well as SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through psychosocial support initiatives, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering strong institutional cooperation.
Through this synergy, UPI and UNIGHA are optimistic about building an inclusive and sustainable academic ecosystem—one where innovation and academic excellence translate into real, measurable benefits for communities, both in West Java and Aceh Province. (Ajeng)