MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA — Muhammadiyah Central Board on Wednesday (14/01) welcomed a delegation from Monash University Indonesia, opening discussions on strategic cooperation in higher education and research, with a particular focus on postgraduate and doctoral programs.
The meeting took place at Muhammadiyah’s headquarters. Monash University delegations was received by Jamhari Makruf, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development. He was joined by Matther Nicholson, Pro Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University Indonesia.
During the discussion, Monash University Indonesia presented its academic portfolio. At the undergraduate level, the university offers programs in digital business, information technology, and design. Meanwhile, its postgraduate programs span multiple disciplines, including global business, cybersecurity, data science, sustainability, public policy, urban design, and public health.
Monash University consistently ranks among the world’s top universities and currently sits 36th globally in the QS World University Rankings. Because of that standing, both sides viewed the meeting as a promising starting point for strengthening research collaboration and doctoral-level human resource development.
Matthew Nicholson said Monash University Indonesia remains open to tailored postgraduate partnerships with Muhammadiyah. These could include flexible postgraduate pathways, joint degree programs, and collaborative doctoral supervision. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all model, he emphasized a co-creation approach.
“We want to design partnerships together,” Nicholson said. “Drawing on strong academic foundations, responding to Indonesia’s context, and maintaining global standards.”
Building Capacity through Doctoral Research
In addition, Monash University Indonesia expressed support for strengthening research through Ph.D. scholarship schemes. These include the Indonesia International Development Scholarship Program, which is open to Indonesian citizens, including Muhammadiyah academics. Nicholson expected research outcomes from these doctoral programs to contribute directly to institutional research priorities.
Jamhari Makruf welcomed the initiative and affirmed Muhammadiyah’s readiness to expand meaningful global collaboration. With its extensive network of universities and schools across Indonesia and abroad, he said, Muhammadiyah aims to deepen partnerships that generate tangible impact in education, research, and humanitarian work.
Monash University Indonesia, supported by Indonesian and international faculty, positions itself as a hub for global academic collaboration within Indonesia. As a result, both institutions expressed hope that the meeting would mark the beginning of a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership in the future. (Rosti H.)
Translator: Bintang Adrian
