Unhas, UNODC Explores Partnership on Legal Reform

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A potential partnership between Hasanuddin University (Unhas) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) could give Indonesian law students, academics and researchers greater access to international expertise in law enforcement and criminal justice.

Unhas Faculty of Law is moving to expand its global academic footprint by exploring collaboration with UNODC and its Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, focusing on strengthening legal enforcement.

Dean Hamzah Halim said in Makassar on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, that the initiative aims to connect Unhas’ educational and research capacity with the practical needs of law enforcement.

“We see many areas for joint development, particularly in education, research, and capacity building directly linked to legal enforcement,” he noted after meeting UNODC officials in Bangkok, Thailand, as quoted by Antara.

During the talks, Unhas proposed several forms of cooperation, including student internships, professional training, joint research, seminars, and academic exchanges. The presence of UNODC experts in Unhas’ academic activities -- as guest lecturers, speakers, or trainers -- was also discussed.

The faculty highlighted its long‑standing Research Center for Prosecution, established more than a decade ago, as well as the newly launched Research Center for Police Forces, both designed to strengthen legal and policing studies.

“Our expectation is not only to build institutional ties but to generate activities that benefit students, lecturers, researchers, and law enforcement agencies,” Hamzah said. As a follow‑up, Unhas has invited the UNODC team to Makassar to discuss cooperation priorities.

UNODC, a UN body mandated to assist member states in tackling narcotics, crime, and terrorism, also works on transnational organized crime, anti‑corruption, crime prevention, and strengthening criminal justice systems. Its Southeast Asia and Pacific regional office is based in Bangkok. ***