Unpatti and the Netherlands Focus on Student Exchange Collaboration
Ambon (ANTARA) - Universitas Pattimura (Unpatti) in Ambon, Maluku, together with the Embassy of the Netherlands in Indonesia, is focusing on strengthening cooperation in the student exchange programme as part of ongoing international academic collaboration.
“We welcome this visit as a strategic opportunity to strengthen cooperation in the fields of academics, research, as well as student and lecturer exchanges between Maluku and the Netherlands,” said Unpatti Rector Prof Freddy Leiwakabessy in Ambon on Wednesday.
He explained that the student exchange programme currently being designed will open opportunities for Unpatti students to pursue short-term studies at various universities in the Netherlands, while also receiving Dutch students to learn about the cultural richness, maritime aspects, and resource potentials in Maluku.
According to the Rector, the programme scheme covers exchanges of one semester to one academic year, credit recognition, and cross-country student research collaboration focused on maritime, fisheries, education, and island development fields.
In addition to student exchanges, the cooperation is also directed towards lecturer exchanges, guest lectures, and joint research development between Unpatti and educational institutions in the Netherlands.
He added that his side enthusiastically welcomes the plan for a guest lecture by the Dutch Ambassador themed “A Conversation with the Ambassador: Connecting the Dots between Maluku and the Netherlands” as part of strengthening students’ global insights.
Meanwhile, the Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia, Marc Gerritsen, stated that through the established cooperation, it is hoped to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in higher education, and to introduce study opportunities and collaborations in the Netherlands.
“This cooperation going forward will focus on student exchanges and strengthening academic networks, so that students from both countries can learn from each other and understand global perspectives,” he said.
He explained that the student exchange programme will be supported by various schemes, including scholarships, inter-university cooperation, and international mobility programmes that enable students to gain cross-cultural learning experiences.
“We hope that students in Ambon can take advantage of this opportunity to broaden their horizons and build international networks,” he said.