Mataram, April 27, 2026 — University of Mataram welcomed a delegation from Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta for a strategic discussion on the initiation of a tripartite collaboration involving universities, regional government institutions, and international partners. The meeting marked an important step toward strengthening institutional internationalization and fostering collaborative multi-sector partnerships based on regional potential development.
The meeting was attended by Acting Head of the International Office of UPNVJ, Dr. Bambang Susanto, M.A.; Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, and Information Systems of the University of Mataram, Dr. Sitti Latifah, S.Hut., M.Sc.Forest.Trop.; Head of the International Office, I Wayan Agus Arimbawa, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D.; Dean of the Faculty of Animal Science, Prof. Muhammad Ali; lecturers from the Faculty of Animal Science; representatives from the Regional Livestock and Animal Health Office of West Nusa Tenggara Province; and representatives from the Regional Tourism and Creative Economy Office.
This collaborative initiative was initiated by Dr. Bambang Susanto, M.A., following initial communication established between Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Indonesia. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening international engagement and exploring strategic partnerships in livestock development, research, education, and regional economic empowerment.
The discussion highlighted the significant collaboration potential between West Nusa Tenggara and Central Asian countries, particularly Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Kazakhstan is widely recognized for its vast grasslands and strong horse-breeding traditions. Horses themselves have long been an important part of Mongolian and Central Asian history and culture, creating opportunities for collaboration in livestock development, research, and community-based economic initiatives.
Kazakhstan’s advanced horse milk processing technology was also identified as a promising area for future collaboration. Potential initiatives may include the development of horse milk MSMEs, horse racing and equestrian tourism, genetic breeding programs, and research on extending the shelf life of horse milk products. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan has already established a sister city partnership with Indonesia’s new capital city development project, opening opportunities for future sister province cooperation with West Nusa Tenggara. Religious and cultural similarities were also considered important supporting factors for sustainable international collaboration.
The proposed tripartite collaboration framework emphasizes a synergistic approach through the integration of universities, local governments, and international partners in the development of investment, research, education, and community empowerment programs. Planned activities include MoU signings, exhibitions, focus group discussions (FGDs), field visits to project implementation areas, as well as staff and student mobility programs in related fields.
UPNVJ also shared its previous international collaboration experiences, including a six-month student mobility program with tuition fee waivers and dormitory accommodation support as part of a mutually beneficial partnership model between universities.
During the discussion session, participants provided various strategic inputs. Representatives from INDEEP raised questions regarding the possibility of student mobility programs with Kazakhstan. In response, the participants agreed that such opportunities are highly possible provided that reciprocal efforts and institutional readiness exist on both sides.
The Regional Tourism and Creative Economy Office highlighted the continued use of cidomo, a traditional horse-drawn carriage used for tourism transportation, as well as the potential for developing improved horse milk processing methods with longer shelf life. Representatives from the Faculty of Animal Science also emphasized ongoing developments related to Bali cattle and laboratory collaborations that have successfully produced antibodies on a large scale.
In addition, support from Senior Experten Service (SES), a German technical assistance program focusing on vocational education, was considered highly valuable in strengthening laboratory capacity and expert mentorship programs.
Prof. Muhammad Ali stated that the Faculty of Animal Science is ready to accommodate inbound programs and support the establishment of a research center focusing on regional livestock potential. According to him, horses represent one of the region’s most valuable assets and could become a major focus of international collaborative research, including studies on pasteurization methods to improve the shelf life of horse milk products.
This meeting is expected to become the foundation for concrete collaboration programs targeted for implementation by the end of May 2026 following further reporting and coordination with university leadership. The primary goal of this initiative is to establish a government-supported research center while strengthening regional diplomacy and university internationalization through multidisciplinary and multi-sector collaboration.
