Indonesian students will soon be able to build global expertise in agriculture under a new partnership launched today between the University of Melbourne and two of Indonesia’s top universities.
Announced today in Jakarta by University of Melbourne Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global) Professor Frank Vetere, the partnership will enable students to study in both Indonesia and Australia and graduate with the skills to lead the future of sustainable agriculture and drive innovation.
The inaugural partners are IPB University in Bogor – internationally recognised for its leadership in sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship, and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Yogyakarta – one of Indonesia’s leading universities with broad strengths in research and innovation.
University of Melbourne Dean of Science, Professor Moira O’Bryan, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment between Australia and Indonesia to strengthen food systems, advance sustainability and train the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“As such close neighbours, Australia and Indonesia share similar opportunities and challenges to build sustainable, resilient food systems,” Professor O’Bryan said.
“This partnership brings together our strengths in agricultural education and research to deliver real impact, while equipping graduates to lead the future of agriculture across our region.”
Under the proposed study model, students would complete their first year in Indonesia before undertaking their second year at the University of Melbourne in Australia.
This model would give students the opportunity to learn from leading agricultural experts in both Indonesia and Australia, gaining a global perspective across key disciplines.
The program represents the Faculty of Science’s first formal transnational education (TNE) partnership in Indonesia and builds on a strong foundation of existing research and education collaborations.
University of Melbourne Professor Giovani Turchini, Head of the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, said the partnership unites institutions with a shared focus on sustainability, agribusiness and innovation.
“We are proud of the many alumni in Indonesia who are already making a meaningful impact across agriculture and food systems,” Professor Turchini said.
“This partnership will grow that network – strengthening connections between our countries and supporting the next generation of graduates to drive innovation, sustainability and positive change.”
IBP University Dean of Economics and Management, Professor Irfan Syauqi Beik said: “This partnership reflects the Faculty of Economics and Management IPB University’s long-standing commitment to producing globally competitive agricultural graduates including agribusiness. IPB University has spent decades building expertise in tropical agriculture and sustainable food systems, and this partnership allows us to extend that impact on a global stage.
“By combining IPB’s strengths in agribusiness and agricultural sciences with the University of Melbourne’s research excellence, we are equipping our students to tackle the food security and sustainability challenges facing Indonesia.”
Universitas Gadjah Mada Dean of Agricultural Technology, Professor Eni Harmayanisaid: “At Universitas Gadjah Mada, we are committed to preparing graduates who can address increasingly complex challenges across agriculture, food technology, and the agri-food industry, while advancing sustainability and innovation.
“This partnership with the University of Melbourne enables our students to benefit from world-class education, cross-cultural experiences, and collaborative research that will strengthen their capacity to become future leaders in the agricultural sector.
“The program reflects our shared vision of advancing innovation and excellence through international collaboration. We look forward to expanding joint research, academic exchange, and long-term partnerships that will generate positive impacts for both countries and contribute to resilient and sustainable food systems.”
