History has been made in Indonesia as the inaugural student cohort of the country’s first foreign university graduate today.
Graduates of Monash University Indonesia’s Master of Data Science and Master of Business Innovation programs had their degree conferred on them by Monash University at the official ceremony at Fairmont Hotel, Jakarta, in the presence of their families, government officials, industry and senior Monash staff. Among other guests were Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Her Excellency Penny Williams and Monash alumnus Mahendra Siregar, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Financial Services Authority (OJK).
The remaining inaugural cohort of students that commenced at the campus in October 2021 will graduate from the masters programs in Public Policy and Management, and Urban Design next year. Monash expects to introduce a range of new programs in 2024.
The presence of Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AC marked her final visit to the campus, as well as her final official duty at Monash, before she commences as Governor of the State of Victoria, Australia, on 9 August.
“I am delighted to be here in celebration of such a momentous occasion in Monash University’s 62-year history: the culmination of the collective efforts of these dedicated, talented individuals as they become the inaugural graduating cohort of our Indonesian campus,” Professor Gardner said.
“Since its establishment in late 2020, our Indonesian campus has developed rapidly, and we are very proud of all that has been achieved. In just two years, Monash University Indonesia has established strategic collaborations with industry, local universities and government, geared towards supporting Indonesia’s social, technological and economic development.
“Today’s inaugural graduating class of Indonesia’s first foreign university is a significant milestone, not just for our University but for the enduring bilateral Indonesia-Australia relationship, in which Monash plays a significant role.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor and President Monash University Indonesia, Professor Andrew MacIntyre, said today’s graduates are well-positioned to create positive impacts and contribute to the nation's economy in both private and public sectors.
“This graduation ceremony marks a significant milestone in the lives of our exceptional students who have tirelessly pursued their academic endeavours. They have exhibited remarkable dedication, determination, and intellectual growth during their journey, and we are immensely proud of their achievements,” Professor MacIntyre said.
“As Monash University continues to pioneer education and empower Indonesia, it remains committed to fostering leadership, global impact, and inspiring future leaders who will share Indonesia’s bright future. This also proves our commitment and mission - to give clear and strong contributions to the further success of Indonesia.
“I express my gratitude for the strong support and enthusiasm given by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), along with all of our valued partners and supporters who share our success.”
Chief Operations Officer, Monash University Indonesia,Tantia Dian Permata Indah, said the values represented by Monash University were in line with the policy recommendations of The Future of Work & Education Task Force (FOWE TF) at the B20 meeting last year, which aim to form quality human resources.
"Monash University Indonesia is optimistic about creating graduates who can create sustainable jobs, apply knowledge and skills that align with the productivity of the world of work, and are actively involved in nation building. We are committed to amplifying all of these targets to ensure the birth of knowledgeable individuals who can respond to future challenges,” Ms Tantia said.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of Australia’s scholarships for Indonesian students. President Jokowi met Australian Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP during his visit to Sydney last month where both governments agreed on new initiatives to further education and collaboration.
Prime Minister Albanese announced the Australia Awards Indonesia Nusantara Scholarship open to Indonesian citizens - 10 scholarships will be offered to aspiring Indonesian leaders who can contribute to the exchange of knowledge in fields crucial to developing Indonesia's new capital city, Nusantara. The awards will be offered to undertake full-time postgraduate study at Monash University Indonesia, commencing in October 2023.
For more information, visit monash.edu/indonesia
About Monash University Indonesia
Monash University Indonesia was established as a legal entity in Indonesia in late 2020. It is fully owned by Monash University and operating with the full support of both the Indonesian and Australian governments. The campus makes a strong and distinctive contribution to Indonesia’s social, economic and technological development.
The postgraduate and research-intensive campus offers courses in high demand areas including Master's degrees in Public Policy and Management, Business Innovation, Data Science, Cyber Security, Public Health, Urban Design, alongside PhD programs, as well as tailored executive education courses and micro-credentials.
Through the addition of this campus to our global network, Monash is cementing its position as a truly global university focused on making a positive global impact. The Indonesia campus joins a dynamic network alongside the highly successful Malaysia and Prato campuses, as well as our partnered campuses in Suzhou, China and Mumbai, India.
Monash has a proud and enduring relationship with Indonesia and has graduated more Indonesian citizens than any other foreign university. The well-established Monash Herb Feith Indonesian Engagement Centre provides a platform for developing strong relationships and collaborations.Monash also works with local Indonesian communities on key partnerships and significant research, including the Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) program, the World Mosquito Program and The Citarum Program.
Monash Indonesia builds and strengthens existing ties between Australia and Indonesia, and offers staff, students, alumni and partners collaborative opportunities with a world top 50 university operating across five countries in the Asia Pacific region. We are paving new pathways for students who desire a global education and to be awarded at the conclusion of their studies with a world-class Monash University degree.
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