During the event, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr. Drs. Anter Venus, MA., Comm., the Rector of UPNVJ, and Dr. Arif Abdullah Sagran, representing UNDIL. In his speech, the Rector of UPNVJ emphasized that this collaboration is a significant step towards expanding UPNVJ’s international cooperation network. He stated that UPNVJ is ready to welcome students from UNDIL to study at UPNVJ with scholarships provided by UPNVJ, including free tuition fees and accommodation. Additionally, UPNVJ plans to conduct guest lectures at UNDIL.
This initiative was warmly received by the Vice Rector for Cooperation of UNDIL. He provided information about UNDIL, highlighting that it is the oldest university in Timor-Leste, with 7 faculties and 6,000 active students. Regarding the student exchange program, UNDIL will send 2 students to UPNVJ. Furthermore, UNDIL invited UPNVJ to engage in tripartite cooperation in research and publication with Angola and Portugal. This cooperation is seen as an effort by UNDIL to enhance the human resources of Timor-Leste, as the country aims to become a member of ASEAN.
The final remarks were delivered by Mr. Ikhfan Haris, the Education and Cultural Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Dili (Atdikbud KBRI-Dili). He stated that this cooperation exemplifies the interconnectivity between the two countries and is expected to be implemented soon through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). Atdikbud KBRI-Dili also recommended pursuing tripartite cooperation with Angola and Portugal in research and publication, as well as collaboration in the health sector, considering UPNVJ’s strengths in Medicine and Health Sciences. KBRI-Dili is also ready to provide preparatory training, particularly in the Indonesian language, for UNDIL students who will study in Indonesia.
In addition to discussing the UPNVJ-UNDIL cooperation, Atdikbud KBRI-Dili encouraged UPNVJ to participate in educational fairs in Timor-Leste and collaborate in MBKM (Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka) activities in Timor-Leste, as there are 5 Indonesian state-owned enterprises (BUMN) operating in Timor-Leste.