IPB University Strengthens Global Education and Research Collaboration with Four Japanese Universities

Dr Alim Setiawan, IPB University Rector-elect for the 2025–2028 term, wasted no time in getting started. Shortly after his election by consensus at the Plenary Session of the Board of Trustees (MWA) on Saturday (12/6), Dr Alim held meetings with leaders of several Japanese universities.

During his visit, Dr Alim held discussions with leaders from Kochi University, Tokyo University of Agricultural Science, Ehime University, and Kagawa University. He explored opportunities to strengthen academic and research collaboration between Indonesia and Japan.

At the discussion forum, Dr Alim emphasized that IPB University’s research is aimed at supporting the transformation of the national food system, in line with the government’s agenda to strengthen food security and community resilience.

“The challenges we face today, ranging from food security, resilience to climate change, digital transformation, to community empowerment, are not only experienced by one country, but by many nations. Therefore, the solutions we build must come from cross-border cooperation and collaboration,” said Dr Alim.

During his visit to Ehime University, Dr Alim was invited as a speaker at the 40th anniversary celebration of the United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences (UGAS). With Ehime University, Dr Alim emphasized the importance of strengthening education and interdisciplinary research integrated with AI, especially since Ehime has two relevant programs, namely Regional Resilience and Interdisciplinary Studies and the Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, Agriculture and Public Health.

Meanwhile, with Tokyo University of Science and Technology, Kochi University, and Kagawa University, the discussion focused on developing research collaboration in the fields of economics, management (including trade and information), engineering and technology, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry.

Also attending the discussion forum were Dr Handian Purwawangsa (Director of Agromaritime Community Development), Puji Mudiana, SP, MA (Director of International Education), Prof Azis Boing Sitanggang (Secretary of the International Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health Research), and Prof C Hanny Wijaya (Chair of the Food Chemistry Division – Department of Food Science and Technology) from IPB University. Strengthening and elaborating cooperation within the Japan–Indonesia Six Universities Initiative (SUIJI) was also one of the topics discussed at this meeting. (*/Rz)(IAAS/RWA).