DENPASAR – balinusra.com | Universitas Ngurah Rai (UNR) in Bali held an international symposium attended by academics from universities across Indonesia to strengthen collaboration and implement its existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Australia’s Charles Darwin University (CDU).
UNR Rector, Prof. Dr. Ni Putu Tirka Widanti, M.M., M.Hum., stated that the symposium aims to create impact both internally at UNR and externally at universities nationwide.
“The MoU was signed last year, and this event is part of its implementation. We have previously conducted joint activities, and I have frequently visited Charles Darwin University at their invitation to advance initiatives related to the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi (Three Pillars of Higher Education),” she said after opening the “Transforming Knowledge into Impact: Collaboration for Regional Progress” symposium at UNR’s Denpasar campus on Monday, July 14, 2025.
The event, attended by dozens of academics, featured CDU Vice Rector for Indonesian Affairs Dr. Nathan Franklin, Australian Consul-General in Bali Jo Stevens, Head of Indonesia’s Higher Education Service Institute (LLDIKTI) Region VIII Dr. I Gusti Lanang Bagus Eratodi, S.T., M.T., and other distinguished guests.
The UNR-CDU collaboration aims to enhance both universities’ quality and disseminate regional government policies. Both institutions expressed gratitude for support from the Indonesian and Australian governments.
Prof. Tirka highlighted the presence of three LPDP scholarship recipients pursuing doctorates at CDU, calling it “an extraordinary moment for young lecturers to learn from their example.” She also shared her own experience as a 1982 scholarship recipient studying abroad.
She further acknowledged the Australian Consul-General and Head of LLDIKTI Region VIII for supporting the universities’ shared vision: “As educational institutions, integrating education with tourism and culture is vital for Bali and Darwin,” Prof. Tirka said
Dr. Nathan Franklin noted that partnering with UNR provided valuable insights into Indonesian public policy practices, including regional autonomy and post-reform expansion policies: “UNR’s expertise in public policy is crucial for governance at all levels. We can exchange solutions to shared challenges in Darwin and Indonesia,” Nathan said.
He confirmed that student and lecturer exchanges—a key component of the MoU—are being developed, emphasizing: “CDU is committed to deepening this partnership. Bali is Australia’s close friend, both geographically and culturally,” he said.
