[Unpad Media Channel] Universitas Padjadjaran is exploring potential academic cooperation with Zimbabwe through inter-university collaboration between the two countries. This initiative was discussed in a meeting held on Monday, June 16th, 2025, at the Rectorate Meeting Room, Unpad Rectorate Building, Jatinangor. The meeting marked Unpad’s ongoing effort to expand its international network and enhance the quality of higher education through global partnerships.
“We at Unpad are seeking broader opportunities for collaboration between universities in Zimbabwe and Indonesia, as we share many similarities and can learn a great deal from each other. We could start with exchange programs,” said Rector of Unpad, Prof. Arief S. Kartasasmita.
Unpad and the Government of Zimbabwe are exploring the development of academic programs and collaborative educational activities. Zimbabwean students may participate in short-term exchange programs at Unpad, while Unpad students will have the opportunity to study in Zimbabwe for periods ranging from several weeks to three months. These programs aim to foster knowledge sharing and cross-cultural learning.
“Zimbabwe and Indonesia have maintained a strong collaboration on South-South Cooperation issues. We are fully prepared to collaborate with Unpad, whether through staff exchanges, research partnerships, or double-degree programs,” stated Zvinechimwe Ruvinga Churu, Vice Deputy Secretary to the President and Cabinet of Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwean government emphasized the importance of students studying in different environments to broaden their horizons and deepen their global understanding. In this regard, the government encourages students to pursue higher education abroad, identifying Unpad as a strategic partner in delivering high-quality academic experiences.
The meeting is attended by Unpad executives including the Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs Prof. Zahrotur Rusyda Hinduan, S.Psi., MOP., Ph.D., the Vice Rector for Resources and Management Prof. Dr. R. Widya Setiabudi Sumadinata, S.Si., S.IP., MT., M.Han., that and Head of the International Office Anggia Utami Dewi, S.IP., M.IS., Ph.D.
Also present are Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Indonesia M. Makururu, Indonesia’s designated Ambassador to Zimbabwe Arief Hidayat, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative Dewi Iriani, and Hazmi, staff member of the Indonesian Embassy in Zimbabwe.
From the Zimbabwean delegation are the Ambassador M. Makururu, Director of the National Scholarship Program Dr. W. Kachere, National Scholarship Director C. Taringa, Assistant to the Principal Deputy Secretary W. Mungate, and Indonesian Affairs Officer E. Chaoneka.
This initial meeting between Unpad and the Government of Zimbabwe marks a strategic step toward establishing a bilateral partnership in education. The collaboration aims to foster an inclusive, collaborative, and mutually beneficial academic ecosystem for both nations.
