REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL BENCHMARKING VISIT TO INDONESIA

In line with the vision of internationalization and strengthening global academic engagement, a delegation from the University of Asia Pacific (UAP), Bangladesh, undertook an international benchmarking and academic collaboration visit to Indonesia from 13 to 19 June 2026. The visit aimed to establish long-term institutional partnerships, strengthen research excellence, promote international academic cooperation, and formalize collaborative relationships through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs).

During this visit, the delegation visited four leading Indonesian universities:

1. Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS)

2. Universitas Setia Budi (USB)

3. Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS)

4. Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII)

The benchmarking visit focused on promoting joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchange, postgraduate collaboration, research publications, innovation development, and other academic activities that support the internationalization agenda of UAP.

2. Delegation Team

The UAP delegation comprised three members:

1. Prof. Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan, Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Asia Pacific

2. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Shahriar, Dean, School of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific

3. Dr. Shihab Uddin Ahmad, Assistant Professor and Coordinator, Master of Pharmacy in Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific

3. Objectives of Visit

The principal objectives of the visit were:

  • To strengthen international academic and research collaborations
  • To establish long-term institutional partnerships with leading Indonesian universities
  • To sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and Memoranda of Agreement (MoA)
  • To explore opportunities for joint research projects and grant applications
  • To promote faculty exchange and student mobility programs
  • To facilitate postgraduate student and postdoctoral attachments
  • To enhance collaborative scientific publications and innovation development
  • To benchmark academic and research infrastructures and practices

4. Activities and Outcomes

4.1 Arrival in Jakarta

Date: 13 June 2026

The delegation arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 13 June 2026. Before proceeding to Surakarta, the team spent a day in Jakarta exploring the historical and cultural landmarks of the Indonesian capital. The delegation visited National Monument (MONAS), Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral which reflects Indonesia's spirit of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence. These visits provided valuable insights into Indonesia's rich cultural heritage and social diversity.

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4.2 Transfer to Surakarta and Reception by UMS

Date: 14 June 2026 at afternoon

On 14 June 2026, the delegation traveled to Surakarta via a domestic flight. Upon arrival, representatives from the International Office of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) warmly received the delegation and provided transportation to the hotel, demonstrating UMS's hospitality and commitment to international partnerships.

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4.3 Visit to Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS)

Date: Morning Session -- 15 June 2026

The academic activities commenced with an official visit to the Rectorate of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta. The UAP delegation was received by Dr. Hepy Adityarini, Head of Sub-directorate for Mobility and Academic Partnership, Directorate of Reputation, Partnerships and International Affairs (DRPI), UMS. The UAP team was led by Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan and Prof. Dr. Ir. Supriyono, Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Institutional Reputation, Impact, Partnership and Internationalization, lead to UMS Team. During the meeting, both parties exchanged institutional profiles and discussed potential areas of collaboration including:

  • Joint academic activities
  • Joint research projects
  • Collaborative research grants
  • International publications
  • Student and faculty exchange
  • Mobility programs and internationalization initiatives

Following the fruitful discussions, both universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a framework for academic cooperation over the next five years. After the signing ceremony, the UMS team arranged a comprehensive campus tour covering its four campuses. The delegation observed the teaching facilities, laboratories, libraries, and student support systems. The visit concluded with a luncheon hosted by UMS.

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4.4 Meeting with Faculty of Pharmacy, UMS

Date: Afternoon Session -- 15 June 2026

At 2:00 PM, the delegation held a meeting with the Faculty of Pharmacy, UMS. The meeting was led by Prof. Dr. Mohammad Shahriar, Dean, School of Pharmacy, UAP for UAP Team and Prof. Dr. apt. Peni Indrayudha, Vice Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, UMS. Both institutions presented their academic portfolios through PowerPoint presentations and explored collaborative opportunities. Areas discussed included:

  • Joint research projects
  • Academic exchange programs
  • Collaborative publications
  • Student mobility
  • Postgraduate collaboration
  • Online seminars and workshops

Following the discussion, a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between the School of Pharmacy, UAP and the Faculty of Pharmacy, UMS.

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4.5 Cultural and Nature Exploration

Date: 16 June 2026

As 16 June 2026 was a public holiday in Indonesia in observance of the Islamic New Year, the delegation utilized the day to experience local attractions Telaga Madirda, Sewu Waterfall and Jembatan Kaca (Glass Bridge).

4.6 Visit to Universitas Setia Budi (USB)

Date: Morning Session -- 17 June 2026

The delegation was transported by the International Office of Universitas Setia Budi and was warmly received by the Faculty of Pharmacy. The meeting was led by Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan, UAP and Prof. Dr. Dra. Peni Pujiastuti, Vice Rector, USB. Both parties discussed extensive opportunities for collaboration, including:

  • Joint research grant applications
  • Collaborative research projects
  • Postgraduate student attachment
  • Postdoctoral fellow attachment
  • Faculty exchange programs
  • Research publications
  • Innovative product development
  • Student interaction programs

Following the successful discussion, both institutions signed the MoU. The delegation subsequently visited teaching and research laboratories guided by Prof. Dr. apt Iswandi, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy.

Dr. Shihab Uddin Ahmad, Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, UAP delivered a guest lecture entitled: "Writing a Systematic Review: Step-by-Step Guideline". Approximately 50 participants, mostly pharmacy students, attended the session. The lecture generated significant interest and active interaction among participants.

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4.7 Visit to Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS)

Date: Afternoon Session -- 17 June 2026

At 2:00 PM, the delegation visited Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) and its Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMNS). The meeting was led by Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan, UAP and Prof. Dr. Desi Suci Handayani, Dean, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, UNS. The portfolio meeting focused on identifying collaborative areas such as:

  • Joint research projects
  • Student attachment programs
  • Collaborative publications
  • Student interaction programs
  • Faculty exchange programs
  • Online webinars
  • External viva examination participation

Following productive discussions, an MoU was signed between UAP and UNS. Both parties agreed to finalize and sign the MoA between the School of Pharmacy, UAP and FMNS, UNS after revising the initial draft according to mutual interests and priorities.

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4.8 Visit to Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII)

Date: 18 June 2026 -- 9:00 AM

The final institutional visit was conducted at Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII). The meeting commenced with the Department of Pharmacy and was led by Prof. Dr. apt. Yandi Syukri, Head, Department of Pharmacy, UII. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Shahriar, Dean, School of Pharmacy, UAP emphasized the importance of sustainable academic and research collaboration. The draft MoU and MoA had been shared with UII before the meeting. Discussions focused on:

  • Scope of collaboration
  • Roles and responsibilities of both institutions
  • Sustainable implementation mechanisms

UII suggested initiating several collaborative activities before formalizing the agreements. Both parties agreed to begin with:

  • Online seminars and webinars
  • Participation as external viva board members
  • Collaborative manuscript preparation and shared authorship
  • Research and academic networking

The meeting concluded with agreement that UII would send the finalized draft agreements after incorporating mutual recommendations. The delegation also visited the laboratories and research facilities of the Pharmacy department, UII.

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4.9 Return to Bangladesh (19 June 2026)

The delegation departed Indonesia on the morning of 19 June 2026 and returned to Dhaka, Bangladesh, successfully completing the international benchmarking mission.

5. Major Achievements

The visit achieved several important outcomes:

Signed Agreements

  • One institutional MoU with Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS)
  • One MoA between School of Pharmacy, UAP and Faculty of Pharmacy, UMS
  • One institutional MoU with Universitas Setia Budi (USB)
  • One institutional MoU with Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS)
  • Agreement in principle to finalize MoA between School of Pharmacy, UAP and FMNS, UNS.
  • Progress toward MoU and MoA with Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII)

Academic Outcomes

  • Establishment of long-term international partnerships
  • Expansion of collaborative research opportunities
  • Potential joint research grant applications
  • Promotion of international publications
  • Development of student mobility and faculty exchange programs
  • Opportunities for postgraduate and postdoctoral attachments
  • Enhancement of international visibility of UAP
  • Successful delivery of an international guest lecture by Dr. Shihab Uddin Ahmad

6. Conclusion

The international benchmarking visit to Indonesia was highly successful and significantly contributed to the internationalization efforts of the University of Asia Pacific (UAP). Through strategic engagements with Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Universitas Setia Budi, Universitas Sebelas Maret, and Universitas Islam Indonesia, the delegation established strong foundations for sustainable academic and research partnerships. The signed MoUs (Between UAP and UMS, USB and UNS respectively) and MoAs (between the School of Pharmacy, UAP and Faculty of Pharmacy, UMS), together with the commitments made by all parties, are expected to facilitate collaborative research, academic mobility, joint publications, innovation development, and capacity-building initiatives. These partnerships will undoubtedly enhance the global presence and academic reputation of the UAP and contribute to achieving excellence in teaching, research, and international cooperation.