EduAsiaNews, Tangerang Selatan – UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta welcomed faculty members and students from Burapha University, Thailand, as part of a Nursing Student Mobility program. The initiative reflects the university’s strong commitment to expanding its global partnerships while addressing shared healthcare challenges across Southeast Asia. The welcoming ceremony was held at the Muhammad Kamil Tadjudin Auditorium on Monday (20 July 2026).
The event was attended by UIN Jakarta Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Ali Munhanif, M.A., Ph.D.; Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. apt. Zilhadia, M.Si.; Assistant Professor of the Faculty of Nursing at Burapha University Wanita Kwansumran; and seven Burapha University students participating in the mobility program: Sirirattakun Chaikaew, Nawarat Nuamdee, Rawiwan Kamnoedsing, Phanichaya Kahawong, Hiranyika Rukkachat, Natnicha Sriraksa, and Waritsara Tangbamrungphong.
In his remarks, Prof. Ali Munhanif highlighted the significance and strategic importance of the exchange program. He emphasized that this inaugural nursing mobility initiative is more than a routine academic activity—it is a concrete response to the shared healthcare challenges faced by countries worldwide.
“This is the first time we have organized a student mobility program in nursing, particularly one focused on chronic disease management. As life expectancy continues to increase, conditions such as hypertension and other age-related illnesses have become common global challenges. Cross-border collaboration is therefore essential to strengthen our collective knowledge and capacity,” he said.
Prof. Ali also underscored UIN Jakarta’s institutional identity and guiding principles, noting that the university’s Islamic values flourish alongside diversity and serve as a foundation for global engagement rather than isolation.
“Islamic higher education in Indonesia has grown hand in hand with diversity, not in isolation. We are proud to be an institution that welcomes everyone, making international programs like this a central mission in positioning our academic excellence on the global stage,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, Prof. Ali expressed hope that the visit would mark the beginning of a long-term partnership.
“We hope this visit will not end here. Hopefully, Prof. Zilhadia and her team will also bring our students to Thailand, and I look forward to visiting Thailand myself. As fellow Southeast Asian nations—Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and others—we should continue strengthening one another,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. apt. Zilhadia, M.Si. outlined the comprehensive program prepared for the visiting students, combining academic activities with cultural immersion.
“We are delighted to welcome students from our partner universities, particularly the Faculty of Nursing at Burapha University, to participate in the Student Mobility Program at UIN Jakarta’s Nursing Study Program. They will spend approximately one week here, taking part in workshops, visits to healthcare facilities ranging from community health centers to hospitals, and educational excursions to Jakarta and Bogor,” she explained.
She also noted that the exchange program is reciprocal, with UIN Jakarta actively sending its own students abroad.
“Today, our students are also departing for Nihon Pharmaceutical University in Japan, where they will study for approximately two weeks,” she said.
Prof. Zilhadia emphasized that the program is designed to enhance the quality of teaching and learning by exposing students to international healthcare and educational systems.
“This program aims to improve the overall quality of education. Through this exchange, students gain first-hand insight into how education and healthcare services are delivered in other countries while introducing the innovations we have developed here. It reflects the Faculty of Health Sciences’ commitment to continuous improvement and internationalization,” she stated.
Assistant Professor Wanita Kwansumran of Burapha University’s Faculty of Nursing expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity to visit UIN Jakarta. She highlighted the value of exchanging knowledge and learning from Indonesia’s approaches to nursing education and chronic disease management.
“My students and I are deeply honored to be here at UIN Jakarta. We have come to exchange cultures, compare curricula, and learn about nursing practices in Indonesia. I am especially interested in the research and chronic disease management strategies being developed here, which will be highly valuable for us,” she said.
She concluded by expressing her hope that this new partnership would continue to grow in the future.
“This has been an extraordinary new experience. I hope we can continue sharing knowledge, create lasting memories, and build an even stronger partnership in the years ahead,” she added.
