Nadiem: The Presence Of Foreign Campuses Facilitates Access To International Education

BANTEN - Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Mendikbudristek) Nadiem Anwar Makarim said the presence of foreign campuses in the country made it easier for people to access international standard education.

"We are very happy that the presence of the Monash University Indonesia campus will open wider opportunities for the Indonesian people to get an international standard education," said Nadiem at the inauguration of Monash University in Tangerang, Banten, as reported by Antara, Thursday, April 14.

He added that the presence of the first foreign campus in Indonesia would play an important role in building a more relevant and solid education system.

“Graduates from Monash University, Indonesia are also expected to contribute and be role models in the world of work. I believe that Monash University, Indonesia is a platform to prepare for the future where networks will be formed, research and ideas developed, and new leaders being prepared,” added Nadiem. Monash University President and Vice-Counselor, Prof Margaret Gardner, said that his party would play an active role in the Indonesian higher education ecosystem.

"The establishment of Monash University Indonesia is the realization of President Joko Widodo's speech before the Australian parliament in 2020. Now two years later and during a pandemic, we can be here to witness the opening of this campus firsthand," said Gardner.

Gardner added that the presence of Monash University in Indonesia shows the importance of collaboration between sectors to support the advancement of Indonesia's higher education, as well as contribute to the social, economic and technological development of Indonesia.

"I hope that the presence of this campus will also deepen bilateral relations for Indonesia and Australia in the future," added Gardner.

Meanwhile, the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams PSM, said that his party was pleased to see that an Australian university of international standard such as Monash could be present in Indonesia.

"As the first foreign university to attend, Monash is a pioneer in building closer partnerships in the field of education in Indonesia," explained the Ambassador.