RRI.CO.ID, Malang - Strengthening regional ties through education, Universitas Brawijaya (UB) has officially partnered with the Institute of Business (IOB) Timor Leste.

The collaboration was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at UB’s Rectorate Meeting Room on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

More than an administrative agreement, the partnership is positioned as a strategic step to expand international networks while deepening academic and cultural relations between the two neighboring countries.

The ceremony was led by UB Rector Widodo, accompanied by Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Imam Santoso, and Head of UB’s Global Partnership and Reputation (GPR) unit, Hendrix Yulis Setyawan. IOB was represented by Rector Pedro Miguel F.G.B. Ximenes and his delegation.

Rector Widodo emphasized that the MoU symbolizes a commitment to building bridges between Indonesia and Timor Leste through higher education.

“Today we are not just signing a document but also strengthening ties between two nations through collaboration that benefits both sides,” he said, as quoted on UB's official website.

He noted that the partnership reflects the historical, cultural, and emotional closeness of the two countries, and aims to foster mutual growth through education.

The agreement opens opportunities for cooperation in faculty and staff exchanges, joint research, and academic program development. As an initial step, UB and IOB will launch a Double Degree program involving UB’s Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) and Faculty of Computer Science (FILKOM).

The program is designed to produce graduates with strong academic competence and international perspectives in business and information technology.

Pedro Ximenes welcomed the collaboration, expressing optimism about its long-term impact. “We hope this marks the beginning of a lasting partnership that strengthens academic cooperation and creates more opportunities for students and faculty in the future,” he said.

Widodo echoed this vision, stressing that the partnership is expected to contribute to the advancement of higher education, innovation, and human resource development in Southeast Asia.

“We are confident this collaboration will deliver tangible benefits, not only for our institutions but also for the broader community,” he remarked. ***