Indonesia, US launch Higher Education Partnership Initiative
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia and the United States launched the Higher Education Partnership Initiative (HEPI) Program to strengthen the implementation of higher education in Indonesia.
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is partnering with Arizona State University (ASU) to strengthen higher education in Indonesia and increase partnerships between universities and higher education institutions in Indonesia and the United States, the US Embassy in Jakarta noted in a statement on Thursday.
The launch of the five-year partnership program was conducted by USAID Acting Deputy Mission Director Mohib Ahmed and Ministry of Education Culture, Research and Technology Acting Director General of Higher Education Nizam on Wednesday .
“The USAID HEPI project aligns well with the Kampus Merdeka Program to increase the quality and international recognition of Indonesian university programs and students’ work readiness through partnerships with industry and American university partnerships,” Nizam remarked.
Meanwhile, Ahmed said that the US supports the Government of Indonesia’s efforts to develop the skills of Indonesian students to meet today’s industry demands.
“Through high-quality higher education programs, Indonesian students will be able to gain the skills they need to keep up with advancing technology, secure meaningful employment, and contribute to Indonesia’s economic growth and prosperity,” Ahmed remarked.
He explained that the USAID HEPI supports a consortium of U.S. and Indonesian universities as well as government and industry partners working to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs in Indonesia.
The program will build industry-linked curricula and student experiential learning, help students learn about and apply to suitable international degree programs, and provide information on the Ministry of Education scholarship programs and opportunities, Ahmed said.
The program will also encourage engagement between faculty from the United States and Indonesia and increase international recognition of Indonesian higher education programs.
In addition, the program will promote partnerships between universities and companies to increase student employability.
USAID HEPI will work with Indonesia’s Bina Nusantara and Hasanuddin universities to establish teaching and learning hubs, with an additional affiliate of 21 universities.
In partnership with the United States–Indonesia Society, the USAID will also establish “student launchpads” — advising centers to prepare students for U.S. academic programs at partner universities.
USAID HEPI also aims to increase the quality and recognition of STEM programs at Indonesian institutions in connection with international partners, especially in the United States.
