UNS – The Supervisory Board of the Mandarin Language Center at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta held its annual meeting at Xihua University, Chengdu, China. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions in developing Mandarin language education and fostering cultural relations between Indonesia and China.
The meeting, attended by top officials from UNS and Xihua University, addressed several key issues related to education development and international collaboration. Participants included the Party Secretary of XHU, Prof. Liu Shugen, along with his team; UNS Rector, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr. M.Si.; UNS Vice-Rector for Planning, Collaboration, Internationalization, and Information, Prof. Irwan Trinugroho, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D.; Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Studies (FIB) UNS, Dr. Dwi Susanto, M.Hum.; Dean of the Vocational School UNS, Dr. Eng. Ir. Herman Saputro, S.Pd., M.Pd., M.T.; Head of the Mandarin Language Center/Confucius Institute UNS, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Yunus, M.S.; and the Chinese Director of the Mandarin Language Center/Confucius Institute UNS, Dr. Fan Jie. The meeting, held on November 18, 2024, featured in-person and virtual participation.
One of the key topics discussed was the development of the Mandarin Language Program. XHU Party Secretary, Prof. Liu Shugen, highlighted plans to improve the quality of the Mandarin program at UNS. These plans include modernizing the curriculum, providing lecturer training, and developing more effective teaching methods for students. A primary focus is strengthening Mandarin learning at UNS to meet the demands of global education.
The two universities also agreed to enhance collaboration in academic research, particularly in Chinese language, culture, and linguistics. Joint projects will deepen understanding of the Chinese language and culture while fostering opportunities for cross-cultural research between Indonesia and China.
As part of the development of international cooperation, the Secretary of the XHU Party, Prof. Liu Shugen, also discussed opportunities to expand student and faculty exchange programs. UNS students interested in deepening their understanding of the Chinese language and culture will have the opportunity to study at Xihua University, while students from Xihua University will be given the chance to participate in programs at UNS.
During the meeting, both parties agreed to further strengthen cultural relations through various activities, such as joint cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and other cultural events. These initiatives aim to foster deeper understanding and connections between the two nations.
“We also conducted an evaluation of the existing collaboration programs and discussed development plans for the coming years,” XHU Party Secretary, Prof. Liu Shugen, explained. “The focus was placed on program innovations that can support the globalization of higher education and enhance the quality of teaching at both universities.”
The Head of the UNS Mandarin Language Center/Confucius Institute, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Yunus, M.S., stated that UNS, through the Mandarin Language Center, has become an important platform for promoting cultural exchange between China and other countries under the “One Belt One Road” initiative.
The Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, Internationalization, and Information at UNS, Prof. Irwan Trinugroho, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., further introduced plans for the establishment of a Confucius Institute at UNS. He also emphasized efforts to strengthen management systems, develop Mandarin language programs, train native-speaking lecturers, and promote long-term collaboration with other institutions in China effectively.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to further enhance collaboration between UNS and Xihua University in education, research, and culture. Both universities pledged to actively bridge the exchange of knowledge and culture between Indonesia and China in the future. This initiative also aligns with UNS’s efforts to achieve SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
HUMAS UNS
