US University Will Establish Postgraduate Campus At IKN

JAKARTA - The Australian Capital Authority (OIKN) said the United States' Northern Illinois University (NU) was interested in building a graduate campus at IKN.

Head of OIKN Bambang Susantono said that the development of the archipelago is part of the Indonesia Experiment.

"The development of the archipelago as a sustainable forest city that is in accordance with the global campaign in sustainable development goals (SDGs) for climate change and biodiversity is a living lab for the world," said Bambang in a written statement, Wednesday, January 10.

OIKN chief Bambang Susantono has discussed with President of Northern Illinois University (NIU) Lisa C. happened at the Jakarta IKN Authority Office, on January 9, 2024, to discuss NIU's interest in participating in the provision of international standard education in the archipelago.

On that occasion, Deputy for Green Transformation and Digital OIKN Mohammed Ali Berawi explained that the role of the Nusantara Institute is an opportunity for collaboration in the form of research and education.

"The construction of research centers from the clusterization of the energy, social, environmental conservation sector, to information technology will facilitate various initiatives and interests of global research institutions in development at IKN," he said.

Meanwhile, the President of the United States NIU or the US Lisa Cenny expressed NIU's desire to be part of the development of the archipelago.

"Northern Illinois University with unique expertise in public administration, political science, computer science and sustainability provides opportunities and compatibility in meeting educational needs in the archipelago," he said.

Lisa said that her party plans to build educational facilities by establishing a postgraduate program in the archipelago.

The NIU itself has been close to the Southeast Asian region with the establishment of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies since 1963.

NIU Executive Director for Global Initiatives Eric Jones revealed that many NIU alumnus are influential figures in Indonesia.

"Among them are Ryaas Rasyid, Affan Gaffar, Andi Mallarangeng, Anies Baswedan, Ramlan Subakti, Riswanda Imawan and Ichlasul Amal who returned to Indonesia to serve," he added.