The Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI), conducted an academic visit to Tianjin University on November 4, as part of its ongoing efforts to expand international collaboration in the fields of architecture, urban planning, and sustainable energy research.
The FTUI delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dean of FTUI, accompanied by Dr. Andhika Kusuma, Associate Dean for International Partnership and Education. From Tianjin University, attendees included Wei Youxiang, Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation; Yang Wei, Vice Dean of the School of Architecture; and Steivan Defilla, Assistant President of the National Industry–Education Platform for Energy Storage.
The visit began with a meeting and discussion at the Peiyangyuan campus, followed by tours of the National Facility for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NFEES) and the Emerging Engineering Intelligent Manufacturing Center. This series of activities marked an important step in deepening research and educational synergy between two of Asia’s leading engineering universities.
During the meeting, FTUI presented an overview of its Architecture and Urban Planning Programs, including the long-standing history of architectural education at Universitas Indonesia, students’ academic achievements, and the faculty’s commitment to international engagement. These programs—spanning Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning at undergraduate and postgraduate levels—focus on sustainable design, digital innovation, and the development of low-carbon cities. Tianjin University welcomed the potential synergy, particularly in knowledge exchange and multidisciplinary research supporting the advancement of smart cities in the Asian region.
The discussion also highlighted FTUI’s involvement in international research on urban sustainability and joint initiatives toward carbon-neutral cities in Indonesia. Both sides emphasized the importance of developing research collaborations that include training programs, stakeholder dialogues, and the establishment of renewable energy and energy efficiency targets for urban areas. This collaboration reflects the synergy between FTUI’s academic excellence and Tianjin University’s research expertise in developing technology-based solutions to address climate and urbanization challenges.
In addition to research cooperation, the meeting also discussed strengthening international academic programs between FTUI and Tianjin University, covering joint/double degree programs, student and faculty exchanges, and opportunities for master’s and doctoral studies in engineering and architecture. Both universities expressed strong interest in expanding collaboration in smart cities, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainability technologies, as part of their shared commitment to enhancing global academic networks.
“Collaboration with Tianjin University not only expands FTUI’s international academic network but also creates space for joint innovation with direct societal impact. Through research and knowledge exchange, we aim to contribute to the development of cities that are more sustainable, inclusive, and intelligent,” said Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, Dean of FTUI.
Meanwhile, Wei Youxiang, Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation at Tianjin University, expressed appreciation for the visit.
“We regard FTUI as a strategic partner in advancing engineering research and education across Asia. Through this partnership, we hope to strengthen academic exchange and accelerate innovation in architecture, energy, and sustainable development.”
This visit reaffirmed the commitment of FTUI and Tianjin University to continuously strengthen cross-border collaboration in research, education, and innovation. It also formed part of FTUI’s series of visits to leading universities in China, aimed at expanding international networks and building strategic partnerships toward a globally competitive future for engineering education.
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
