“University Internationalization is important for science, technology, economy, and industry development. Science and university need to work together to cope with the pandemic, thus, international cooperation is crucial,” said The Director of Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) Regional Office in Jakarta, Dr. Guido Schneiders on Monday, 15th August, 2022 in a seminar series with deans, lecturer, and head of supporting unit of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta.

Dr. Schneiders was invited by the Center for Developing Cooperation and International Affairs of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta to present and discuss the potential collaboration between DAAD with UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta in the 4th Sunan Kalijaga Seminar Series (SukaSemar) at the UIN Sunan Kalijaga's Convention Hall. Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Prof. Dr. Phil. Al Makin, opened the seminar with the history of, achievements, and potential area of collaboration with the campus.

He emphasized that student exchange’s programs, among other potential programs, are excellent opportunities for both UIN Sunan Kalijaga and Germany Universities. Considering the current situations and trends, Prof Makin asked participants to focus their research on climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In line with Prof Makin’s statement, Dr Schneiders explained that DAAD is one of the World's largest funding organizations for international exchange. It is an independent organization of German higher education institutions aimed to recognize and support potentials worldwide. DAAD provides numerous scholarship programs for students, researchers, and lecturers to study in Germany and gain international experience.

During the question and answer session, some excellent ideas of future collaboration and cooperation arose from the participants. Labibah Zain, the Head of UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s Central Library wondered whether it is possible to initiate librarian exchange to improve librarian’s capacity in both countries. Dr Schneiders responded that it is a brilliant idea and looked forward to more detail of the proposed program. Furthermore, ideas regarding management training for campus managements, such as deans, rector and vice rectors, were also discussed in the seminars.

In his closing statement, Prof Makin emphasized that the collaboration between UIN Sunan Kalijaga with DAAD Jakarta Region is not only important to both institutions, but also to development of knowledge. He stated that this seminar was only the beginning of a new pathway in building international reputation. Thus, intensive and good communication between the two institutions is needed. (CDCIA)