Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) continues to strengthen its steps toward the global stage by exploring collaboration opportunities in the Middle East. Prof. Dr. KH. Abdul Wahid Maktub, former Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar, visited UNDIP as a key figure in opening doors to strategic partnerships in the areas of the university’s three pillars of higher education (Tri Dharma).
Prof. Dr. KH. Abdul Wahid Maktub attended a workshop organized by the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Collaboration at UNDIP, themed “Collaboration Opportunities in the Middle East” on Monday, December 16, 2024. The event, held in the Rectorate Meeting Room, 2nd floor of the Widya Puraya Building at UNDIP Tembalang Campus, aimed to strengthen UNDIP’s position as an internationally active university and broaden access for faculty and students to participate in international programs, particularly in the underexplored Middle Eastern region.
The workshop, moderated by Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D., UNDIP’s Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Collaboration, and Public Communication, featured Prof. Dr. KH. Abdul Wahid Maktub as the keynote speaker. A lecturer at President University and an experienced figure in international relations, he previously served as Indonesia’s Ambassador to Doha, Qatar, from 2003 to 2007.
The event began with a video highlighting UNDIP’s efforts to address various social issues in Jawa Tengah, followed by a welcoming speech from UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si. He expressed gratitude for the presence of the esteemed guest, affectionately known as Gus Wahid. Prof. Suharnomo emphasized the importance of strengthening networks with institutions in the Middle East, which hold great potential as strategic partners in higher education.
“In terms of collaboration, we have well-established opportunities in Europe with more than 20 universities, as well as in Australia, China, Taiwan, and Canada. However, in the Middle East, UNDIP has yet to establish partnerships. Hopefully, in the future, collaboration opportunities in this region can occur,” said Prof. Suharnomo.
In his presentation, Prof. Abdul Wahid stated that realizing the vision of becoming a world-class university must be accompanied by spiritual, intellectual, and self-confidence dimensions. “Internationalization is the future of education, requiring synergy between effective communication and collaboration, supported by spiritual, intellectual, cultural, and structural elements. This ensures that the goal of achieving global education remains sustainable,” explained Prof. Abdul Wahid.
He also highlighted UNDIP’s strong foundation for becoming a world-class university. “As the Rector mentioned, UNDIP has been addressing core societal issues such as stunting, flooding, drought, and other social challenges. With this character, UNDIP is well-positioned to produce excellent intellectuals in their respective fields,” he added.
With this strategic initiative, UNDIP reaffirms its commitment to expanding its global network and opening collaboration opportunities with potential partners in the Middle East. Through synergies in academics, research, and innovation, as well as spiritual and cultural values, UNDIP is optimistic about achieving its vision as a world-class university. This collaboration is expected not only to advance the institution but also to make a tangible contribution to society, aligning with the tagline, “UNDIP Bermartabat dan Bermanfaat” (Dignified UNDIP, Beneficial UNDIP). (DHW; ed. NH)
