The Indonesian Embassy in Canberra stated that Jakarta State University (UNJ) in Indonesia is exploring educational collaboration with the University of Canberra, Australia. According to a written statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra received in Jakarta on Tuesday (20/2), Faculty Language and Arts of UNJ is exploring opportunities to open a dual Master of Language Education degree program with the Faculty of Education, University of Canberra. Education and Culture Attache of the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, Mukhamad Najib conveyed that currently, there is funding from the Education Fund Management Agency for a double degree program between universities in Indonesia and universities abroad that have an international reputation. This is a good opportunity for UNJ to take advantage of and University of Canberra.
Moreover, Najib further pointed out that the focus of the discussion was the opportunity to establish a joint master's program between UNJ and the University of Canberra, especially the Master of Language Education. He also said the Indonesian government strongly encourages universities to have double degree programs or joint degrees with universities abroad, including Australia.
Besides, the Australian Government through the Australia Awards Indonesia also has a similar program called the Split-Site Master's Program. In this program, students will study for one year in Indonesia and one year in Australia. According to Najib, one of the obstacles for students to study in countries like Australia, is generally due to cost problems. Because tuition fees in Australia are very expensive. Therefore, it is hoped that the split-site master's program can be a solution to this problem.
Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Arts, Jakarta State University, Liliana expressed her seriousness in bringing the UNJ Faculty of Languages and Arts into a faculty with an international reputation. She viewed that the existence of a joint program for masters of education between UNJ and the University of Canberra could be a bridge to develop cooperation in other fields, such as joint research between UNJ and University of Canberra lecturers. Najib has also said UNJ will send a draft curriculum design which can be used as material for discussions on the establishment of a split-site master or double degree. He also perceived that curriculum alignment takes time and must be started as soon as possible. Liliana emphasized while discussing the curriculum, UNJ Faculty of Languages and Arts also invites University of Canberra lecturers to become guest lecturers both online and offline to be speakers at seminars organized by UNJ or to conduct joint research and publications.