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Monash University has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing and developing its relationship with Indonesia, according to vice-chancellor Professor David Robinson.
In announcing a series of new initiatives at the end of his visit to Indonesia this week, Professor Robinson said Monash's desire to participate fully in Indonesia's education sector over the long term had remained unchanged by the recent events in that country.
"Despite the current economic crisis in Indonesia, Monash is very optimistic about the country's medium and long-term outlook. The university remains strongly committed to forging links with Indonesia's education sector, even during these times of difficulty," he said.
Professor Robinson said Monash would continue its university preparation and language courses in Jakarta and Bandung through its joint venture entity, UniSadhuGuna.
And at a Monash Alumni Forum held at the Borobudur Hotel, Jakarta, last week, Professor Robinson met with the rectors of Universitas Indonesia and Universitas Gadjah Mada, reconfirming the cooperative agreements between Monash and the two universities covering research collaboration, staff development and staff and student exchanges.
"In addition, we have commenced a feasibility study in consultation with the Indonesian Government and the rectors of Indonesian universities on establishing a full Monash University campus in Indonesia," Professor Robinson said.
"By embarking upon the campus feasibility study in Indonesia, Monash is seeking to build on the early success of the Monash University Sunway Campus in Malaysia, which opens next week with more than 400 students enrolled.
"Any Monash University presence in Indonesia would be an integral part of the higher education sector of Indonesia, with Monash working closely with its Indonesian institutional colleagues."
Professor Robinson expressed concern over the effect the economic crisis was having on Indonesian students studying in Australia. He said Monash had taken a range of measures to inform its students of the counselling and financial planning and aid mechanisms that were available.
"The creation of a Monash campus in Indonesia will help offset the effects of the economic crisis by providing jobs for Indonesian academic and support staff. It will also offer Indonesian students the lower-cost option of obtaining a quality international university qualification while remaining in Indonesia."
Up to 450 students are expected begin classes on Monday as part of the first intake of students at Monash's new campus in Malaysia.
Two senior Monash academics will also commence in their new roles as heads of the two schools at the campus. Dr Robin Pollard, from the Faculty of Business and Economics, will head the School of Business & Economics and Information Technology, and Associate Professor Robin Alfredson, from the Faculty of Engineering, will head the School of Engineering, Medicine and Science.
The new Monash University Sunway Campus Malaysia is the result of a partnership between Monash and Sunway College.
The main intake of students at the campus is expected at the beginning of next year.
Renowned expert on Southeast Asia Dr Herb Feith will share his insights into Indonesia at the next Monash Alumni International Forum luncheon on Friday 24 July.
Dr Feith, a co-founder of Monash's Centre of Southeast Asian Studies and former reader in the Politics department, has spent the past two years lecturing in international relations at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
In his talk, titled 'Indonesia's Troubled New Dawn - What Hope for Democracy?', Dr Feith will analyse the current situation in Indonesia and discuss the political complexities that have influenced the country's development.
The luncheon will be held at The Naval & Military Club in Melbourne from 12.30 pm to 2 pm.
For further information, contact Ms Jennifer Beck, director, International Alumni, on extn 55007.
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