UI and China's Tongji University to Establish Future Architecture Research Centre

Universitas Indonesia (UI) and Tongji University (TU), one of China’s leading universities in architecture and civil engineering, have initiated a new step in developing future architectural research in Southeast Asia. UI Rector Prof. Heri Hermansyah stated in Depok on Monday that this collaboration brings together two institutions with strong track records in education, research, and innovation. “This cooperation is part of UI’s efforts to expand international collaboration while strengthening its contribution to the development of knowledge that impacts society. The partnership with Tongji University opens opportunities for joint research development, knowledge exchange, and a broader global academic network,” said Prof Heri. Through the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) on 15 June 2026, the two institutions agreed to explore the establishment of the Tongji-UI Architectural Design Research Institute, which will become a centre for architectural research and innovation in Southeast Asia. In this collaboration, UI will provide land, workspace, and local certification support, whilst TJAD will contribute expert personnel, technical standards, and design management systems that have been applied in various international-scale projects. The institute’s presence is directed at addressing the challenges of future human settlements and urban development. Climate change, land limitations, and high disaster risks necessitate new approaches to planning human living spaces. Therefore, UI and TU plan to utilise the latest technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to develop adaptive housing and urban area concepts, including in non-conventional locations such as underground spaces and underwater areas. Prof. Li also revealed TU’s long-term plan to establish an Indonesia Campus. As a form of mutually reinforcing partnership, TU is also opening opportunities for UI to develop a UI China Campus. This idea reflects both institutions’ commitment to building closer academic ties whilst expanding the space for Indonesia-China collaboration.