Surakarta, August 22, 2025 – The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) of Universitas Slamet Riyadi (UNISRI) Surakarta took a strategic step in expanding its international network through an official visit to Dili, Timor Leste, from August 18–20, 2025.
The delegation was personally led by the Rector of UNISRI, Prof. Dr. Sutoyo, S.Pd., M.Pd., accompanied by the Dean of FISIP, Dr. Herning Suryo Sarjono, M.Si., along with the heads of study programs: Ganjar Widhiyoga, S.I.P., M.Si., Ph.D. (International Relations), Drs. Buddy Riyanto, M.Si. (Communication Studies), and Endang Yuliana, S.H., M.H. (Law). The presence of faculty and program leaders reflects that UNISRI’s mission of internationalization is carried out collectively, not limited to a single field of study.
The delegation departed from Yogyakarta to Denpasar, Bali, before continuing their flight to Dili. The transit in Bali was utilized for final coordination, including refining presentation materials, university profiles, study program brochures, and cooperation proposals. This thorough preparation became the key to ensuring that each meeting would result in concrete preliminary agreements.
Meeting with Strategic Partners
During the three-day visit in Dili, the FISIP UNISRI delegation carried out a series of intensive activities:
Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosae (UNTL)
Discussions focused on potential collaborations in faculty and student exchanges, joint research, and co-publications in international journals. UNTL warmly welcomed the ideas and encouraged follow-up through the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Dili
The UNISRI delegation was warmly received by the Indonesian Embassy officials. The discussion centered on opportunities for promoting UNISRI in Timor Leste and enhancing educational diplomacy. The Embassy expressed readiness to facilitate promotional efforts through diplomatic channels and the Indonesian community network in Timor Leste.
Indonesian Cultural Center (PBI) Dili
Discussions included possible collaborations in art, cultural, and academic training programs. The fields of communication, law, and international relations were considered highly relevant to be developed through joint seminars and workshops with Timorese students.
Collegio Sao Miguel School
UNISRI presented the university profile and offered scholarship opportunities for outstanding students. The students showed great enthusiasm, indicating strong potential for recruiting international students from Timor Leste in the future.
UNISRI Towards a Global Campus
The Dean of FISIP, Dr. Herning Suryo Sarjono, stated that the visit represented the complete identity of FISIP.
“We did not come representing a single program, but FISIP as a whole. Hopefully, each study program can benefit from the networks we’ve built in Dili,” he explained.
With full support from the rectorate, FISIP UNISRI is preparing concrete follow-up steps, including establishing special scholarship programs for Timorese students, initiating cross-country research collaborations, and promoting education more widely through diplomatic networks.
This visit marks an important milestone showing UNISRI’s increasing commitment to strengthening its international role. FISIP—with its three flagship study programs: International Relations, Communication Studies, and Law—is ready to contribute to building cross-national collaboration for the advancement of education and culture in Southeast Asia.
Although the visit was relatively short, the results were highly encouraging. All parties expressed positive responses, and several initial agreements are now being followed up online. UNISRI remains committed to maintaining close communication to ensure that these collaborations reach the implementation stage soon.
Rector of UNISRI, Prof. Dr. Sutoyo, emphasized that the visit represents the university’s strong commitment to preparing students and lecturers to face global challenges.
“Campus internationalization is not just a slogan—it must be realized through real collaboration. Timor Leste is a highly potential partner for UNISRI to begin this step within the ASEAN region,” he stated.
