A significant educational partnership between Indonesia and China has been established through an agreement that will enable hundreds of Indonesian students and educators to pursue academic opportunities at Tianjin University over the next five years. The initiative, spearheaded by Yayasan Warga Bumiputra Indonesia foundation, represents a major step in international educational cooperation.
During a high-level delegation visit to Tianjin University on Friday, foundation chairman A.M. Hendropriyono outlined the ambitious program that will fund at least 250 students and over 100 school administrators for exchange programs and advanced studies. “Our objective is to leverage China’s educational expertise to enhance the competitiveness of Indonesia’s next generation,” Hendropriyono stated. “The first cohort of Indonesian scholars is scheduled to commence studies next year, with plans for gradual expansion of our collaborative efforts.”
The delegation, which included Garibaldi Thohir, chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bilateral Committee for China, conducted comprehensive inspections of the university’s academic infrastructure, research facilities, and student accommodations. The visit facilitated substantive discussions with Tianjin University President Chai Liyuan regarding student exchange programs, faculty development initiatives, and industry-academia collaboration.
Thohir emphasized the strategic importance of educational cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations: “Education serves as a crucial foundation for deepening Indonesia-China friendship. Through this visit, I have witnessed Tianjin University’s exceptional educational standards, research capabilities, and faculty expertise. This exchange will not only provide knowledge acquisition but also broaden cultural understanding between our nations.”
The partnership extends beyond student exchanges to include joint research projects and development initiatives between the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry China Committee and Tianjin University. Collaboration will focus on cutting-edge fields including renewable energy, artificial intelligence, meteorological science, and food industry innovation.
This agreement follows President Chai Liyuan’s two visits to Indonesia in October, during which preliminary cooperation agreements were established. The December meeting served to advance scholarship implementation mechanisms and refine industry-academia-research collaboration frameworks.
Hendropriyono expressed confidence that “this transnational education model will cultivate a new generation of youth with international perspectives, innovative capabilities, and strong academic foundations, ultimately enabling Indonesia to achieve breakthroughs across multiple sectors.”