Yogyakarta, Indonesia - UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta has entered into a partnership agreement with Goshen College in the United States. The collaboration between the two institutions was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed by J. Leslie Redfern, Jr., the Director of the Institute for Indonesian Academic Partnerships (IIAP) at Goshen College, and Dr. Abdur Rozaki, Vice Rector III of UIN Sunan Kalijaga. The signing ceremony was attended by several representatives from both universities, including Prof. Sahiron, Acting Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, and Jan Shatler, Goshen College's Director of Global Engagement.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Sahiron expressed that through this international partnership, UIN Sunan Kalijaga aims to strengthen its presence on the global stage. As a starting point for the collaboration, UIN Sunan Kalijaga will be hosting 16 students from Goshen College, who will have the opportunity to learn about various academic disciplines, student activities, and community engagement programs offered at UIN Sunan Kalijaga. They will also have the chance to deepen their understanding of Islamic studies integrated into lectures, research programs, and community service initiatives, which can then be further developed within their academic pursuits at their home institution. In turn, UIN Sunan Kalijaga will also visit Goshen College as part of a student exchange program and faculty exchange program, encompassing academic development programs and English language learning. The partnership can be established at the program level or between faculties, with coordination by the UIN Sunan Kalijaga's Office of Research and Community Engagement (LPPM).

Leslie Redfern highlighted that the Institute for Indonesian Academic Partnerships (IIAP) is a Goshen College program established to build partnerships between universities in North America and Indonesia, as well as non-profit organizations committed to promoting education and community services that benefit both sides while fostering peace and justice. In this collaborative effort, both parties are responsible for promoting joint programs aimed at achieving sustainable, fair employment opportunities, equality, and resilience within local communities in Indonesia and North America. The scope of the partnership includes cross-cultural learning, Indonesian and English language learning, course programs in Indonesia and North America, academic exchanges, consultations, and collaborative projects on various topics, including peace and reconciliation, interreligious dialogue and cooperation, environmental sustainability and ecological restoration, health and community development, and social entrepreneurship.

The partnership can take various forms, such as guest lectures in classes or conferences (in-person or remote), joint research projects and publications (hybrid, in-person, and remote), teaching classes (remote or in-person), Sabbath projects, collaboration on community development projects, and guest scholar programs.

Following the signing of the partnership agreement, a Focus Group Discussion was held to discuss the upcoming student exchange program, starting with the dispatch of 16 Goshen College students to UIN Sunan Kalijaga through the Study Service Term program. (Ihza/Weni/Doni)