MARITIMEPOSTS.COM – MAKASSAR — Academic ties between Hasanuddin University (Unhas) and Australia continue to open up new avenues for collaboration. During her first visit to Unhas, the newly appointed Australian Consul-General in Makassar, Sanchi Davis, met with Unhas Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc.
The meeting was held as a courtesy visit and also explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation, particularly in education, research, and the development of academic networks.
Unhas Rector Prof. JJ said that the university’s relationship with Australia has been established through a range of strategic partnerships.
One of the programmes that continues to be developed is the Partnership for Australia-Indonesia Research (PAIR), which brings together academics, researchers, governments, and stakeholders from both countries to promote collaborative research and contribute to development, particularly in Eastern Indonesia.
“Unhas holds a strategic position as a hub for collaboration between Indonesian and Australian universities, particularly in expanding cooperation in Eastern Indonesia. Over the years, Unhas has developed various partnerships with Australian partners, including through PAIR activities,” Prof. JJ explained.
Prof. JJ added that the relationship between Unhas and Australia is further strengthened by the presence of alumni who have pursued their education at various Australian universities.
These alumni are now active in diverse fields and continue to help build networks between Indonesia and Australia.
The meeting also discussed the role of the South Sulawesi chapter of the Indonesian Australian Alumni Association (IKAMA) in expanding collaborative networks.
The network also includes alumni from several other universities in South Sulawesi. IKAMA’s presence can strengthen ties among alumni, universities, and Australian partners through various collaborative programmes.
“IKAMA is here to help build collaboration and expand networks. Most members of the IKAMA family are from Unhas, but there are also alumni from other universities. This is a strength that we need to utilise together to develop cooperation with Australia,” Prof. JJ added.
On the same occasion, Sanchi Davis expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to visit Unhas. The visit gave her an overview of the academic ties that have been established, including the presence of Unhas alumni who have continued their studies in Australia.
As the newly appointed Australian Consul-General in Makassar, Sanchi expressed hope that the relationship would continue to grow through various opportunities for cooperation.
“I hope to build a strong relationship with Unhas and develop more opportunities for collaboration in the future,” Sanchi Davis said.
The visit took place at the Rector’s Office on the eighth floor of the Unhas Rectorate Building at the Tamalanrea Campus in Makassar on Friday (28 August).
The Rector was accompanied by the Vice Rector for Partnership, Internationalisation, and Alumni Affairs, Prof. Ir. Suharman Hamzah, ST., MT., Ph.D., HSE., as well as several members of IKAMA South Sulawesi. (*/mir)
