Writer: Duke Paopathon Pardede (2461001) | Editor: Ambarwulan, S.T.
The Universitas Internasional Batam (UIB) delegation continued its working visit to Timor-Leste by conducting an important institutional engagement at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Dili on Monday, 24 November 2025. This visit served as a strategic extension of UIB’s mission to promote international cooperation, expand cross-border academic opportunities, and build long-term connections with key educational stakeholders in Timor-Leste. Hosted by H.E. Okto Dorinus Manik, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Timor-Leste, the meeting was marked by warm hospitality and strong mutual interest in strengthening educational collaboration. The Embassy’s support reinforced UIB’s commitment to contributing to regional academic development. This visit also highlighted the importance of people-centered diplomacy and educational outreach as tools for fostering closer ties. As a result, the meeting set a positive tone for the future initiatives that UIB aims to establish in Timor-Leste.
Representing UIB were four senior leaders, each playing a significant role in the strengthening of academic cooperation abroad: Dr. Hepy Hefri Ariyanto as Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation, Tony Wibowo, Ph.D. as Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science, Dr. Hari Sutra Disemadi, S.H., M.H. as Head of the Law Study Program, and dr. Aries Maulana, Sp.PA as Head of the Undergraduate Medical Program. The delegation presented UIB’s comprehensive academic ecosystem, which includes all undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. They highlighted opportunities available for international mobility such as student exchanges, dual degree pathways, and international internships, emphasizing UIB’s readiness to welcome students from Timor-Leste. The introduction further detailed UIB’s strengths in research, industry collaboration, and community engagement, which together support the university’s vision of producing globally minded graduates. Their presentation underscored UIB’s commitment to inclusivity by ensuring that all study programs were represented equally, leaving no field overlooked.
To enrich the engagement, the Embassy invited school leaders and representatives from various senior high schools and technical institutions across Dili to participate in the session. Their presence demonstrated a strong interest in international cooperation initiated by UIB. Among those in attendance were Victor B. Mendes from Colégio São João de Brito, João Gaio from Escola Técnica Informática de Díli (ETI-DILI), and Erlina Suciatí from Escola Católica do Sagrado Coração de Jesus Becora–SACROJES. The visit also welcomed Domingos Ramos, Fernando M. Guterres, Dulcifa Pinto, Agnelo Moreira, and Faustino Simãos, along with several others who represented different academic institutions. This diverse participation reflected the enthusiasm of Timor-Leste’s educational community in exploring academic partnerships. Their engagement brought unique insights that enriched the discussion and fostered a strong sense of collaboration. The support from various schools demonstrated the potential for a wide-reaching partnership network in the future.
The discussion sessions throughout the visit were dynamic and constructive, focusing on key pillars of educational collaboration that could benefit both UIB and institutions in Timor-Leste. Representatives explored initiatives involving student exchanges, academic pathways, and collaborative teaching models designed to strengthen capacity-building efforts. Opportunities for visiting lectureships, joint seminars, and targeted professional development programs were also discussed as effective tools for bridging academic expertise across borders. All parties expressed strong enthusiasm to structure mutually beneficial programs aimed at enhancing learning quality and academic exposure. The Embassy played an essential role in facilitating a productive dialogue that ensured both sides had equal opportunities to share perspectives. This collaborative atmosphere strengthened the foundation for sustained educational cooperation moving forward.
The warm reception and enthusiastic responses from the Embassy and school representatives created a highly supportive environment throughout the visit. Participants openly expressed their admiration for UIB’s proactive approach and its commitment to accessible educational partnerships. Many school leaders showed great interest in sending their students to UIB for further studies, while also expressing openness to hosting UIB students or faculty for various exchange programs. The Embassy acknowledged UIB’s efforts in contributing to educational development in Timor-Leste and emphasized the importance of long-term collaboration. This positive reception illustrated a shared vision for creating opportunities that can uplift educational outcomes for communities in both countries. It also demonstrated how institutional visits can strengthen mutual understanding and trust.
The visit additionally contributed to strengthening people-to-people connections, which form a significant foundation for effective international cooperation. Participants engaged in open conversation that allowed both sides to learn more about each other’s cultures, academic systems, and institutional goals. This interpersonal connection encouraged a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect, making the engagement not just an official meeting but also an opportunity to build genuine relationships. Such exchanges play a vital role in supporting students and educators who may participate in future mobility programs. By prioritizing strong interpersonal rapport, UIB and its partners have laid the groundwork for a collaborative environment that encourages long-term involvement. This human-centered approach also aligns with UIB’s values of respect, inclusivity, and international openness.
The session concluded with a ceremonial exchange of tokens and institutional flags, symbolizing mutual respect and the reinforcement of academic relations between UIB and relevant institutions in Timor-Leste. These symbols serve not only as diplomatic gestures but also as commitments toward building future academic pathways. Participants took group photos to commemorate the visit, marking the moment as a meaningful milestone in UIB’s “UIB Goes to Timor-Leste” initiative. The exchange served as a formal affirmation that both sides were ready to advance toward further collaboration. These tokens, displayed proudly by both institutions, will serve as reminders of the shared journey toward educational progress. The ceremony left a lasting impression, encapsulating the spirit of goodwill that characterized the entire engagement.
This engagement at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Dili stands as an important milestone in UIB’s broader internationalization agenda. By establishing relationships with educational stakeholders as well as government representatives, UIB demonstrated a comprehensive approach to building strong partnerships abroad. The dedication shown by the UIB delegation underscored the university’s long-term commitment to supporting educational development in Timor-Leste. The warm reception at the Embassy further encouraged UIB to continue exploring opportunities that could benefit students, faculty members, and communities in both countries. As UIB continues its international outreach, this visit is expected to inspire additional collaborations, reinforce shared academic values, and strengthen the bridge between Indonesia and Timor-Leste through education. The successful engagement reflects UIB’s vision of fostering global connections that create meaningful and lasting impact.
International Relation Office
Universitas Internasional Batam
