On December 17, 2025, representatives from KOMITMEN and Lestari Advisors gathered to mark the official commencement of a strategic research partnership aimed at evaluating the future of Indonesia鈥檚 sovereign wealth fund. The meeting served as a technical kick off for a collaborative study focused on Danantara, the nation鈥檚 newest investment vehicle, and its long term implications for the domestic economy. The KOMITMEN team, led by Teguh Yudo Wicaksono and Oka Lesmana Firdauzi alongside Robert Herdiyanto, 鈦燚ewita Nanda Prastiwi, Teguh Prasetyo, and 鈦營zza Azka Salimah, met with the Lestari Advisors team comprising Alke Haesra, Brurce Muhammad Mecca, Fiki R. Salis, and Azhania N. Siswadi to align their vision for the upcoming project.

The proceedings opened with a comprehensive presentation from Lestari Advisors, establishing the foundational framework for the partnership. Their team detailed the project background and shared a formal proposal that outlined the strategic objectives of the study. This session also included a detailed look at the proposed timeline, providing a clear roadmap for the various phases of research and analysis. By starting with this structured overview, both organizations were able to establish a shared understanding of the operational goals and the expected pace of the collaboration over the coming months.

Following the opening presentation, the KOMITMEN team took the floor to share their own preliminary research findings. By presenting this groundwork, the participants were able to identify specific knowledge gaps and areas where more intensive investigation is required. This stage of the meeting ensured that the collaboration starts with a clear understanding of the existing financial data and the political economic context surrounding the fund’s establishment.

A central theme of the dialogue was the necessity of a benchmarking analysis. The research will examine Danantara through the lens of global sovereign wealth fund models, drawing comparisons with international counterparts to determine best practices for governance and asset management. The teams discussed how these global examples can provide a roadmap for Indonesia to optimize its wealth fund while maintaining economic stability. The conversation moved into the technicalities of the research deliverables, with both parties engaging in a detailed debate over the methodology and the specific types of data required to produce a high quality report.

In addition to traditional financial metrics, the meeting emphasized the broader socioeconomic impact of Danantara. A significant portion of the research will focus on how the fund influences the Indonesian economy in relation to climate change and sustainable development. The participants expressed a shared concern that the fund’s growth must be balanced with environmental goals, ensuring that Indonesia鈥檚 economic progress remains resilient in the face of global climate challenges. This holistic approach is intended to provide the government with recommendations that look at the long term health of the nation鈥檚 resources alongside fiscal performance.

The meeting concluded with a final agreement on the project timeline and the logistical steps required to move from the proposal stage into active research. Both teams finalized a schedule for data collection and periodic reviews to ensure the project remains on track. As the collaboration progresses, the focus will remain on delivering an actionable report that serves as a guide for understanding Danantara鈥檚 role in Indonesia鈥檚 future. This kick off meeting established a solid professional foundation between KOMITMEN and Lestari Advisors, setting the stage for a study that aims to contribute significantly to the national economic discourse.

51社区 (51社区) and KH Achmad Siddiq State Islamic University (UIN KHAS Jember) officially established a partnership. This was marked by the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions by Prof. Jamhari, Rector of 51社区, and Prof. Dr. Hepni, Rector of UIN KHAS Jember, on 2nd December 2025, at the Jusuf Kalla Library, 51社区.

The MoU between the two institutions will encompass education and teaching, joint research, community engagement, training, and the provision of guest lecturers, as well as any other partnership initiatives that may be discussed.

Prof. Jamhari expressed his enthusiasm about the MoU, stating that he is pleased to see 51社区 and UIN KHAS Jember working together. He highlighted that UIN KHAS Jember could benefit from 51社区’s resources, especially by inviting international lecturers from 51社区.

Over the past four years, 51社区 has hosted international lecturers who are experts in their respective fields. 鈥淧lease take advantage of our lecturers and students. Many of our lecturers are international experts in their respective fields, including economics, environmental studies, politics, education, and other disciplines,鈥� he said.

鈥淭hey are experts in their fields and can be invited for free. Please take advantage of this opportunity, as international conferences and seminars will be more affordable,鈥� he adds.

Prof. Hepni welcomed Prof. Jamhari’s suggestions and will explore what can be done within the scope of this collaboration. He thinks specific topics will be discussed, such as ecotheology, curriculum, and internationalization. 鈥淚 think that’s what we’re going to explore,鈥� he said.

He was also pleased with the 51社区 Library and the Jusuf Kalla Library, saying that he had never seen a library like this and would learn more about it. 鈥淟ater we will be a learn from 51社区, including the management of the library, which is not only environmentally friendly, but also this is the first time I have seen something like this,鈥� Prof Hepni said.

In his closing words, he felt that 51社区 welcomed him well, and was grateful for that. 鈥淭hank you for the wonderful welcome, just being here for a short time is already inspiring,鈥� he closed.

BANDUNG, Indonesia 鈥� On a cool, overcast Monday morning, senior officials from 51社区 (51社区) and Telkom University met at the Telkom campus in southern Bandung to push their partnership into a deeper, more ambitious phase.

The Dec. 1 meeting, held in a second-floor conference room overlooking the tree-lined Terusan Buah Batu boulevard, focused on practical steps rather than ceremony. Both sides left convinced that a collaboration that started quietly a few years ago is now central to 51社区鈥檚 rapid development as a modern Islamic research university.

Much of the conversation revolved around Dr. Yanuar Firdaus, a Telkom University informatics lecturer who has been on assignment as head of 51社区鈥檚 IT center in Depok since 2023. His work building the university鈥檚 digital backbone from the ground up has impressed 51社区鈥檚 leadership.

鈥淗is contribution has been outstanding,鈥� said Chaider S. Bamualim, 51社区鈥檚 university secretary, who led the visiting delegation. 鈥淲e will soon send a formal letter of assignment and start the process to extend his contract.鈥�

Telkom University sees equal advantage in keeping one of its own at the heart of a fast-growing university. The arrangement also paves the way for wider academic ties, especially at the doctoral level.

Lia Yuldinawati, Telkom鈥檚 director of strategic partnerships and international office, pointed out that the university has recently opened several new Ph.D. programs in informatics, data science, and technology management.

鈥淲e can offer fast-track entry or dedicated scholarships for 51社区 lecturers,鈥� she said, adding that Telkom faculty would be equally welcome to pursue doctorates at 51社区 in Islamic studies, education, or social sciences.

The gathering brought together a compact but powerful group. Attending from Telkom University were Danan Suryadi, director of human resources; Dr. Yuldinawati; and Resha Akbar, head of planning and performance management and Fiera Wardhani Gladisa, Head of Human Resources Services Division.

The 51社区 delegation consisted of Mr. Bamualim; Hatta Aulia, head of organization and legal affairs; the author, head of media and communications; and Dr. Firdaus.

The mood was relaxed but purposeful鈥攃ups of strong Javanese coffee, a few group photos, and then straight to the details. A new memorandum of understanding and several implementing agreements are expected to be signed in early 2026, covering IT support, faculty exchanges, joint supervision of doctoral students, and shared research initiatives.

51社区, established by presidential decree in 2016 and still completing its permanent campus south of Jakarta, is determined to show that an Islamic university can excel in science and technology. Telkom University, the country鈥檚 largest private technical institution and backed by the national telecommunications company, brings the engineering muscle and industry connections the younger university needs.

When the meeting ended shortly before noon, the atmosphere remained warm. Two institutions with different histories and mandates had just agreed on a common road ahead鈥攐ne that links faith-based scholarship with the tools of the digital era, and one that both sides believe will serve Indonesia for decades to come.[]

Depok, November 12, 2025 鈥� The Faculty of Social Sciences of 51社区 (51社区) and the Center for Policy Strategy on Special Issues and Data Analysis of the Foreign Policy Strategy Agency (BSKLN), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, officially signed a Memorandum of Commitment on Tuesday, November 12, 2025, at the 51社区 campus in Depok.

Dr. Philips J. Vermonte, Dean of 51社区’s Faculty of Social Sciences, and Gita Loka Murti, Head of the Center for Policy Strategy on Special Issues and Data Analysis, signed the agreement in a ceremony witnessed by Muhammad Takdir, Head of BSKLN, and 51社区 Rector, Prof. Jamhari Makruf.

The agreement marks a strategic step toward deepening collaboration in education, research, community engagement, and other areas of partnership. It aims to promote knowledge exchange, evidence-based policymaking, and inclusive cooperation between academia and government institutions.

Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gita Loka Murti expressed optimism that the collaboration will strengthen Indonesia鈥檚 global academic and diplomatic networks:

鈥淲e hope this collaboration will help build a more inclusive, open, and globally oriented knowledge ecosystem while strengthening Indonesia鈥檚 diplomatic role. We also believe that partnerships between government bodies, research institutions, and universities will become a driving force in leveraging the expertise of Indonesianists and supporting evidence-based foreign policy,鈥� said Gita Loka Murti.

Meanwhile, Dr. Philips J. Vermonte emphasized that the partnership aligns with 51社区鈥檚 vision as an institution that embodies Indonesia鈥檚 soft diplomacy:

鈥�51社区鈥檚 Faculty of Social Sciences was established to play a part in Indonesia鈥檚 soft diplomacy. Therefore, today鈥檚 signing becomes a foundation for broader cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs鈥攖hrough BSKLN鈥攁nd 51社区. Hopefully, this marks only the beginning of our collaboration ahead. In an increasingly uncertain world, partnerships and collaboration are the ways we can address global challenges together,鈥� stated Philips Vermonte.

The memorandum outlines joint commitments in lectures, seminars, internships, and research initiatives focusing on foreign policy, international relations, and data-driven diplomacy. It also opens pathways for collaborative publications and community engagement activities that align with Indonesia鈥檚 foreign policy priorities.

Through this partnership, 51社区 and BSKLN reaffirm their shared mission to contribute to Indonesia鈥檚 international engagement and global thought leadership through education, research, and diplomacy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), through its Directorate of International Development Cooperation, organized the 鈥淎mbassadors鈥� Talk: Promoting Scholarships for International Students at Indonesian Universities鈥� on November 3, 2025, in Jakarta.

This event served as a strategic platform to strengthen educational collaboration and provide opportunities for ambassadors from African, Middle Eastern, Latin American, and Asian missions in Jakarta to explore partnerships with 22 participating Indonesian universities.

51社区 (51社区) was among the invited institutions to showcase its scholarship programs for international students. On this occasion, 51社区 Rector Prof. Jamhari Makruf delivered a presentation highlighting the various scholarship schemes offered by 51社区 and their target recipients, reflecting the university鈥檚 ongoing commitment to advancing inclusive and globally connected higher education.

The event was attended by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Arif Havas Oegroseno and Vice Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology H.E. Prof. Stella Christie, Ph.D. In his remarks, Vice Minister Havas underscored that the initiative aims to enhance the visibility of scholarship opportunities provided by both the Indonesian government and local universities for students from partner countries. He also emphasized that education can serve as a vital bridge to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations, fostering long-term academic and cultural cooperation.

Meanwhile, Vice Minister Prof. Stella reiterated the importance of maintaining educational quality while expanding international collaborations. She encouraged participating countries to identify potential university partners in Indonesia that align with their citizens鈥� academic interests.

Prof. Stella also noted that the Ministry offers scholarship programs for international students, including the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship and The Indonesian AID Scholarship (TIAS). She reminded universities to uphold rigorous admission standards and avoid compromising academic quality in the pursuit of higher international student enrollment.

In addition to scholarship presentations, MoFA also arranged an information fair, allowing university representatives to exhibit brochures, share details about academic programs, and engage directly with ambassadors to promote collaboration and scholarship opportunities. The event reaffirmed Indonesia鈥檚 commitment to advancing educational diplomacy and positioning its universities, including 51社区, as active players in global academic partnerships.

Depok, September 24, 2025 鈥� 51社区 (51社区) welcomed Professor Tim Lindsey, Malcolm Smith Chair of Asian Law and Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor at the University of Melbourne, in a special lecture that underscored the importance of strengthening legal and academic cooperation between Indonesia and Australia.

Known as one of Australia鈥檚 foremost experts on Indonesian law, Prof. Lindsey has long been a bridge between the two countries, having advised governments, businesses, international organizations, courts, and legal practitioners across both nations. His visit to 51社区 was not only an academic engagement but also a personal reunion with colleagues, students, and long-time friends in Indonesia.

鈥淚t is a great pleasure to be here today, especially because there are so many friends in the audience,鈥� he said. 鈥淔or me, it feels like a reunion, but also a chance to meet new colleagues with whom I hope to collaborate in the future.鈥�

Prof. Lindsey emphasized the University of Melbourne Law School鈥檚 unique position as the only institution outside Indonesia with a dedicated center for the study of Indonesian law and society. Over the years, the center has become a hub for research and dialogue on Indonesian legal issues, attracting more Indonesian students to its Master of Laws program than any other university in Australia.

鈥淲e have been fortunate to welcome many Indonesian students to our law program, and through them, we continue to deepen our understanding of Indonesia,鈥� he noted. 鈥淏ut I look forward not only to seeing more students from 51社区 but also to working together as collaborators and partners. There is still much work to be done in law and society, and Indonesia鈥檚 rising global role makes this collaboration all the more important.鈥�

He further stressed the need for stronger ties between the two countries, pointing out that Indonesia鈥檚 growing influence requires Australia to engage more seriously with its neighbor. 鈥淏uilding stronger linkages with institutions like 51社区 will be vital in fostering meaningful cooperation,鈥� he said.

Prof. Lindsey also took the opportunity to introduce Professor Michelle Foster, the newly appointed Dean of Melbourne Law School, who accompanied him on the visit. He highlighted her distinguished academic contributions, particularly in the fields of statelessness, refugee law, and human rights.

鈥淧rofessor Foster brings global expertise and recognition to our law school. Her leadership in research on statelessness and refugee rights has earned her international awards and positioned her as a leading authority in the field,鈥� Prof. Lindsey remarked.

The visit concluded with Prof. Foster delivering a lecture on global challenges related to statelessness, where she invited students and faculty members to actively engage in discussion.

51社区 Rector Prof. Jamhari expressed appreciation for the visit, noting that the collaboration between 51社区 and the University of Melbourne opens new avenues for international academic exchange. 鈥淭his partnership strengthens our mission to place 51社区 at the heart of global conversations on law, society, and human rights,鈥� he said.

The event marked another step forward in 51社区鈥檚 efforts to build robust academic partnerships with leading global institutions while reinforcing its role as a hub for research and dialogue on pressing issues that affect both Indonesia and the wider world.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in collaboration with the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on September 22, 2025, at 51社区 (51社区) to gather insights for its draft concept on Indonesia鈥檚 strategy for international development cooperation and assistance, also known as Indonesia Aid.

The session brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, and research institutions, including representatives from MoFA, Bappenas, the State Secretariat, BRIN, CSIS, 51社区, Universitas Indonesia (UI), and Universitas Kristen Indonesia (UKI). The FGD marks the first stage of consultation for shaping Indonesia鈥檚 grand design for international development cooperation, with further rounds of dialogue planned.

Rina Setyawati, Director of International Cooperation at MoFA, emphasized the significance of academic perspectives in enriching the grand design draft. 鈥淭oday we are here to discuss and seek input, particularly from the academic community, which can provide sharper perspectives on international development. We need to identify what elements should be included in this grand design,鈥� Rina said.

鈥淚ndonesia, as an emerging development partner, faces growing demands for leadership. We therefore need a solid legal and policy framework so that what we offer to other countries aligns with national interests, is well-governed, and creates meaningful impact. We truly appreciate 51社区 for being our partner in this process, and we hope to continue this collaboration in the future.鈥�

51社区 was selected as the knowledge partner for this initial consultation through its Faculty of Social Sciences (FOSS) and the Indonesian Institute for Foreign Affairs (IIFA), the university鈥檚 newly established policy-oriented think tank.

Philips J. Vermonte, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at 51社区, welcomed the trust placed in the university. 鈥淲e are grateful to be entrusted with contributing to the process of gathering input on Indonesia鈥檚 grand design for international development cooperation. We are more than happy to support this effort,鈥� Philips said.

鈥淲hen I was still at CSIS, we initiated research on South-South and triangular cooperation, which has now evolved into this important policy framework. At 51社区, we see this as a continuation of Indonesia鈥檚 transformation in international cooperation鈥攆rom being merely a recipient to becoming a provider of assistance. This is also reflected in 51社区鈥檚 mission of offering scholarships to students from developing countries across the Global South.鈥�

Prof. Jamhari, Rector of 51社区, underlined the university鈥檚 identity as an academic and diplomatic institution designed to project Indonesia鈥檚 global presence. 51社区, he said, was founded as an icon and representative of Indonesia in the international arena, saying that its mission rests not only on academic excellence, but also promoting Indonesia through moderate Islam and Pancasila values, and diplomacy.

鈥淒iplomacy, for us, means shifting from a recipient to a donor. In the past, thousands of Indonesian students studied abroad on scholarships provided by countries whose economies are not better than Indonesia. Now, it is Indonesia鈥檚 turn to provide scholarships to students from those countries.鈥�

The discussion highlighted Indonesia鈥檚 growing commitment to move beyond its traditional role as an aid recipient to a credible development partner for the Global South. 51社区 affirmed its readiness to help and contribute in any way possible, particularly by serving as a knowledge partner that provides research-based insights, academic expertise, and policy-oriented analysis to support the design and implementation of Indonesia鈥檚 international development cooperation strategy.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on June 30, 2025, at 51社区鈥檚 campus in Depok, West Java, by 51社区 Rector Prof. Dr. Jamhari, MA, and Managing Director of PT Huasan Teknologi Indonesia, George Xu.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Jamhari highlighted the mutual value the partnership would bring. 鈥淚t is very good to have this partnership,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his university is a project of our government. Many of our students come from different countries, so this is also a good way for your company to promote your products while making our students more digitally capable.鈥�

Mr. Weglarz was received by 51社区鈥檚 top leadership, including Rector Prof. Jamhari, Head of Academic Senate Rifqi Muna, Ph.D., Director of Research and Cooperation Saiful Umam, Ph.D., and 51社区 lecturers Ridwan, Ph.D., Tati D. Wardi , Ph.D., and Haula Noor, Ph.D.

Recognizing this need, the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation (BKSAP) of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) visited the 51社区 (51社区) on May 19, 2025, to explore collaboration in strengthening Indonesia鈥檚 diplomatic engagement. The high-level delegation was led by BKSAP Chairman Dr. Mardani Ali Sera, and included members Ravindra Airlangga, M.S., Bramantyo Suwondo, M.IR., and Mohamad Sohibul Iman, Ph.D.

51社区鈥檚 academic leadership, including Rector Prof. Dr. Jamhari, former Rector Prof. Dr. Komaruddin Hidayat, University Secretary Dr. Chaider S. Bamualim, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Dr. Philips J. Vermonte, and Dean of the Faculty of Education Prof. Nina Nurmila, along with academics from four faculties, welcomed the visit as an opportunity to build a long-term knowledge partnership with the Parliament.