Universitas Indonesia (UI) has expanded its global academic network by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) to strengthen international collaboration in education. The MoU was signed directly by the UI rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU, and the UC Santa Cruz Chancellor, Prof. Cynthia Larive, on May 2, 2025, at the UC Santa Cruz campus.
This MoU marks the beginning of a strategic academic partnership between the two institutions, covering potential student and faculty exchanges, research collaboration, and the development of a double degree program. The Faculty of Engineering at UI (FTUI) is exploring the possibility of establishing this double degree program—its first collaboration with a U.S. university. The initial focus of this program is expected to be in the field of Electrical Engineering.
“This signing reflects UI’s strong commitment to advancing the internationalization of higher education in Indonesia. We hope that this collaboration with UC Santa Cruz will open broader global opportunities for our academic community,” stated UI Rector, Prof. Heri Hermansyah.
The UI delegation was led by the Rector and included the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering UI, Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D.; Director of Education Internationalization, Dr. Fadhilah Muslim; Vice Dean for Resources, Ventures, and General Administration FTUI, Dr. Ing. Ir. Dalhar Susanto; and Vice Dean for Student Affairs and Alumni FTUI, Dr.rer.pol. Ir. Romadhani Ardi.
Representatives from the Division of Global Engagement and the Baskin School of Engineering, which is known for its strengths in technology, engineering, and computer science research and education, attended the meeting.
Prof. Alexander Wolf, Dean of the Baskin School of Engineering at UC Santa Cruz, warmly welcomed the collaboration. He expressed interest in learning from FTUI’s experience in managing double-degree programs, which it has successfully implemented for over 20 years. He also shared that UC Santa Cruz is open to exploring other areas of collaboration, especially given the university’s presence in Silicon Valley.
Dean of FTUI, Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, stated that the potential for a double degree program between FTUI and UC Santa Cruz is highly promising for enhancing the global competencies of Indonesian engineering graduates. “UC Santa Cruz has a multidisciplinary research approach and an innovation ecosystem that aligns well with FTUI’s internationalization vision. We are very enthusiastic about further developing this collaboration. We want to ensure that every Indonesian student, particularly at FTUI, has the opportunity to engage in high-quality international academic experiences,” he said.
The visit to UC Santa Cruz is part of a broader delegation tour by UI to several leading universities in the United States in early May 2025, aimed at expanding and deepening UI’s global partnerships.
The University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) is part of the prestigious University of California system in the United States. Renowned for its academic strengths in computer science, engineering, biology, and environmental science, UC Santa Cruz is recognized as a world-class research institution that is inclusive. Its diverse faculty includes many with immigrant backgrounds. Located in the forested hills of Santa Cruz, California, the university offers an innovative, open, and inclusive academic environment, uniquely set within a redwood forest.
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia
