Awarded Professorship by Chinese University, Here's Purbaya's Response

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has revealed the reasons behind being awarded an honorary professor title from Nankai University, China.

Purbaya stated that he does not know the exact reason for the title, but believes it was granted due to his contributions to safeguarding the Indonesian economy through various policies he has implemented.

“I do not know exactly why I was given a professorship by China (Nankai University), but it seems they recognised the policies implemented in our country,” Purbaya said during a media briefing at the Ministry of Finance on Friday (26/06/2026).

Previously, Purbaya received the honorary professor title from Nankai University following his visit to China to promote Yuan-denominated debt instruments, known as Panda Bonds.

The honorary professorship was conferred upon Purbaya after he delivered a public lecture regarding the economic and fiscal overview of Indonesia at the university last week. The title was awarded by Professor Chen Yulu, President of Nankai University.

“This decision is an acknowledgement of your outstanding leadership, your prominent contributions to the field of international public finance, and your steadfast commitment to economic development and financial sector stability in the Southeast Asian region,” stated Chen Yulu in an official statement delivered via email by Prof Xinming Li on Tuesday (23/06/2026).

Finance Minister Purbaya’s expertise and experience align closely with Nankai University’s commitment to developing cutting-edge research and education in the fields of economics, public policy, and finance.

The university expressed that the presence of Finance Minister Purbaya as an Honorary Professor would serve as a great inspiration to the faculty and students of Nankai University, while simultaneously strengthening academic and strategic ties between China and Indonesia.

As part of the conferment, Purbaya has also been invited to visit the Nankai University campus to deliver a keynote lecture, engage in discussions with researchers, and attend the official honorary professorship ceremony.

Nankai University noted that the official certificate for the Honorary Professorship will be sent to Purbaya within the next 7 to 14 days.