Mataram, Indonesia — University of Mataram (Unram) hosted the Closing Ceremony of the 2025 Winter Season Indonesia SNU Corps on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) at the Unram Dome Building. The program was jointly organized by the University of Mataram, Seoul National University (SNU), and Universitas Nasional Jakarta, as part of a broader commitment to strengthening international collaboration and community engagement.
In his opening remarks, Rector of the University of Mataram, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D., expressed his appreciation to all parties involved, particularly the SNU delegation, the academic communities of the University of Mataram and Universitas Nasional Jakarta, as well as the students who actively participated throughout the Winter SNU Corps program in Indonesia.
The Rector emphasized that the Winter SNU Corps reflects a shared commitment to promoting global engagement, social responsibility, and cross-cultural exchange. Through this initiative, students and faculty members from SNU, Universitas Nasional Jakarta, and the University of Mataram collaborated in educational and community service activities, while also strengthening institutional ties and fostering people-to-people connections between nations.
Collaboration between the University of Mataram and Seoul National University was first established in 2018 and resumed in 2022. Since then, the partnership has successfully delivered more than five free Korean language classes, providing tangible benefits to the people of Lombok, particularly those aspiring to pursue further studies or professional opportunities in South Korea. These initiatives have also been integrated into the International Community Service Program (International KKN) conducted in collaboration with Universitas Nasional Jakarta.
On the same occasion, the Rector highlighted the strategic plan to formalize cooperation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Mataram and SNU concerning the establishment of the King Sejong Institute Lombok at the University of Mataram.
“To the best of our knowledge, this collaboration on the establishment of a King Sejong Institute would be the first of its kind initiated by Seoul National University. This program represents a significant milestone in ensuring the sustainability of our partnership, while providing long-term access to internationally standardized Korean language education for the wider community. Currently, the King Sejong Institute proposal is still under the registration and evaluation process, and we sincerely hope it will proceed smoothly and receive approval,” said Prof. Bambang.
Concluding his remarks, the Rector conveyed his gratitude to Seoul National University for its continued trust and commitment, as well as to Universitas Nasional Jakarta, the organizing committee, faculty members, and students who contributed to the success of the program. He expressed his hope that the 2025 Winter SNU Corps in Indonesia would serve as an inspiring and productive experience, further strengthening international friendship and collaboration in the years to come.
