IPB University Prepares for the Launch of the Global South University Network in 2026
IPB University has set 2026 as the starting point for its active involvement in the Global South University Network. IPB University Rector Prof Arif Satria emphasized the importance of thorough preparation so that Indonesia is ready to lead the global southern university leadership network in 2027.
“The year 2026 will be an important milestone to start, organize, and strengthen global engagement,” said Prof Arif during the 2026 Planning and Development Meeting (Musrenbang) at the Andi Hakim Nasoetion Auditorium, IPB Dramaga Campus, on Tuesday (9/24).
According to Prof Arif, IPB University’s international strategy must be segmented and focused. For top universities, the main focus is research collaboration. Meanwhile, mid-level universities will be directed towards student exchange and educational collaboration. As for lower-level universities, IPB University is ready to provide assistance and research input.
“We will target Pacific countries such as Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Tonga, Laos, and Myanmar. We are preparing scholarship programs, especially for prospective lecturers, similar to how the Philippines, through UPLB (University of the Philippines Los Baños), successfully built a regional education network,” he explained.
Prof Arif also emphasized the importance of increasing the number of foreign students. “The target for 2026 is no longer 400, but 1.000 international students. We must achieve this with the right marketing strategy and the support of various international scholarship schemes,” he said.
In addition, IPB University will strengthen its innovation and leadership forum to solidify its position as a global reference in innovation management.
In line with the global agenda, IPB University is also preparing for internal transformation with three main focuses: sustainability, transformation, and resilience.
For sustainability, IPB University aims to complete the Green Campus blueprint by 2025, covering transportation modernization, waste management, green energy, and water management.
“Not only infrastructure, but also the development of a sustainability mindset and green behavior among students and lecturers,” explained Prof Arif.
In terms of transformation, IPB University will prioritize the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, research, and talent management. “AI is no longer an option, but a necessity. With AI, talent mapping that used to take a week can now be done in 10 minutes with more accurate results,” he said.
In the field of infrastructure, IPB University is preparing to build an (Advanced Research Laboratory) in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), student dormitories, and the modernization of teaching laboratories.
Concluding his remarks, Prof Arif emphasized the importance of IPB University’s contribution in creating “global blessings.”
“Until now, we have been creating local blessings. Now is the time for us to share at the global level, build solidarity with developing countries, and make a real contribution to the Global South University Network,” he concluded. (AS) (IAAS/NRA)
