UNS — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Indonesia Embassy for Afghanistan, Tuesday (4/5/2021) in Ruang Sidang Senat II dr. Prakosa Rectorate Building UNS. The signing ceremony was held simultaneously with the signing ceremony of agreement arrangement between UNS and Afghanistan Embassy for Indonesia. The manuscript of Memorandum of Understanding was signed directly by the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (Dubes LBBP) Indonesia for Afghanistan, Dr. Arief Rachman.
The ceremony was attended by the Vice-Chairman of Board of Trustees (MWA) UNS, Prof. Hasan Fauzi, UNS Academic Senate Secretary, Prof. Ari Handono Ramelan, and Vice-Rector for Planning, Partnership, Business, and Information Affairs UNS, Prof. Sajidan. In addition, the Dubes LBBP Afghanistan for Indonesia, Mr. Faizullah Zaki Ibrahim, also attended the ceremony through Zoom Cloud Meeting.
The collaboration between UNS and Indonesia Embassy for Afghanistan covers several points, including education and Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka program implementation, research and the scientific publication, and human resource quality improvement, seminar, workshop, and focus group discussion. In his remark, Prof. Jamal shared his happiness that at the same time, UNS signed two collaboration documents with Indonesia Embassy for Afghanistan and Afghanistan Embassy for Indonesia.
“We are fully aware that collaboration is a vital step for higher education in improving its education quality and increase its contribution toward the development both at the national and international level,” Prof. Jamal stated.
Prof. Jamal also mentioned UNS status as Higher Education with Legal Entity (PTNBH) and its determination to be a globally reputable university. UNS determination is proved in UNS ranked 401-450 QS Asian University Rankings and 201-300 Times Higher Education (THE) Ranking Impact 2021. UNS is also committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the national and international levels.
Responding to the partnership with UNS, Dr. Arief Rachman stated that he has long wanted to visit UNS to meet Prof. Jamal. His visit is a friendly visit that has been long implemented in Afghanistan to build a solid diplomatic connection. “I visit for silaturahim, and I also apply this in Afghanistan, from one region to others, and from one province to others to connect with our families there. And I am worried that when my time comes to go home, I have not fulfilled my mandate to connect universities with other universities,” Dr. Arief Rachman said.
In his speech, Dr. Arief Rachman also mentioned that UNS should amplify the excellent relationship between Indonesia and Afghanistan and hopes that UNS can accept Afghanistan students who want to pursue their higher education on campus. “I hope you open your heart for them. They might come with shortcomings. Please treat them like your children. We need to show passion for them. If we succeed, they will benefit their country and even the world,” Dr. Arief Rachman concluded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti