URGENCH, UPI
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) has further solidified its academic presence in Central Asia through a series of high-level engagements at Mamun University, Urgench, held from March 5 to 7, 2026. The visit was highlighted by the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the inauguration of a new campus, and an international research forum.
A Milestone Day: Campus Inauguration and MoU Signing
Friday, March 5, 2026, marked a dual celebration for the two institutions. The UPI delegation, led by Prof. Dr. Agus Setiabudi, M.Si. (Vice Rector for Research, Community Service, and Partnerships) and Prof. Eri Kurniawan, M.A., Ph.D. (Head of International Partnerships Division), attended the grand opening ceremony of Mamun University’s new campus in Urgench.
Beyond serving as a center for research and development, this new facility has been designated as a strategic hub and a representative office for Mamun University’s international partners. UPI is among the select group of global institutions to have an official presence within the new campus, facilitating closer cooperation in the years to come.
Immediately following the inauguration, a formal ceremony was held to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Rector of UPI and the Rector of Mamun University. This agreement provides the legal and structural foundation for long-term collaboration in education, research, and community service.
Empowering Faculty through Scopus Coaching Clinic
As a concrete implementation of the partnership, Prof. Eri Kurniawan led an intensive Coaching Clinic on Writing for Reputable International Journals. Invited by the Rector of Mamun University, Dr. Sardor Sharifzoda, the workshop focused on the English Education Department faculty.
Dr. Rejapov Izzatbek Olimbayevich, Vice Rector for International Relations, closely monitored the training and noted the high level of engagement among participants. The curriculum focused on:
- Research Literacy: High-quality reference sourcing and selection.
- Genre-Based Approach: Utilizing Prof. Eri’s six years of research to structure competitive manuscripts.
- Strategic Drafting: Navigating the complexities of Scopus-indexed publications.
The session will be followed by a dedicated manuscript mentoring program and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Mamun University and the UPI School of Postgraduate Studies (SPs UPI) to solidify joint research and publication efforts.
Advocating for Interethnic Harmony through Education
The delegation also participated as invited speakers in the International Scientific and Practical Conference themed “The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Ensuring Friendship among Peoples and Interethnic Harmony.”
- Prof. Agus Setiabudi presented a paper titled “Building Academic Friendship through Education and Research Collaboration: Evidence from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia,” highlighting how institutional partnerships serve as a foundation for global peace.
- Prof. Eri Kurniawan delivered a presentation on “The Role of Scientific Research in Strengthening Social Stability and Interethnic Harmony: Lessons from the Baduy Community, Indonesia,” sharing unique sociological insights from the Indonesian archipelago to a global audience.
Broader Mission: UPI’s Uzbekistan Roadshow
This visit to Mamun University is part of a larger diplomatic and academic circuit involving several top Uzbek institutions, including Namangan State Institute of Foreign Languages, Chirchik State Pedagogical University, and Uzbekistan State World Languages University.
The overarching goal of this roadshow is to broaden UPI’s internationalization footprint through:
- Joint and Dual Degree Programs
- Student and Faculty Mobility
- Joint Research and Publications
Participants at Mamun University expressed immense gratitude for the practical nature of the training, with many voicing their hope for advanced follow-up sessions. This mission reinforces UPI’s commitment to becoming a leading global university by fostering meaningful academic friendships across borders. (Contributor: Eri Kurniawan)