UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga’s (UNAIR) internationalization efforts have once again strengthened its academic partnership with Australia. During an international guest lecture held in the Tarumanegara Room on the 10th floor of the ASEEC Tower at UNAIR’s B-Dharmawangsa Campus on Wednesday (August 19, 2026), Rod Brazier, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, outlined strategies for strengthening cross-border research and educational collaboration.
Research collaboration and Aussie Corner
UNAIR’s Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development, Prof Dr Muhammad Miftahussurur PhD, highlighted the close relationship between the two countries, particularly in academic affairs. According to him, Australia and Indonesia share more than diplomatic ties, but also a strong research culture and people-to-people connections.
“Engagement with Australia is an essential part of our university’s internationalization efforts. We have built academic ties with various institutions in Australia, ranging from staff exchanges and student opportunities to research collaboration,” Prof Miftahussurur said.
Prof Miftahussurur further noted that this close relationship is realized not only through exchange programs, but also through physical facilities that enable direct interaction between the academic community and global opportunities.
“One concrete example of this partnership is the presence of Aussie Banget Corner at UNAIR, the result of a collaboration with the Australian Consulate General in Surabaya. This space serves as a hub for the academic community to learn about Australia, explore study opportunities, and open pathways for higher education cooperation,” he added.
Indonesia-Australia education synergy
Ambassador Rod Brazier noted in his keynote speech that the friendship between Indonesia and Australia has existed for a long time, dating back to when Makassar sailors traded along the coast of Northern Australia. Australia’s support also flowed strongly from the early days of Indonesia’s independence, including the boycott by Australian dockworkers against Dutch ships and journalist Tony Rafty’s coverage of the Battle of Surabaya on November 10.
“Education is Australia’s largest services export. Currently, the number of Indonesian students in Australia has reached a record high of more than 25,000,” Ambassador Brazier told the audience of students.
In a closing statement, Brazier reaffirmed his support for UNAIR students to take advantage of the various scholarships available for higher education in Australia..
“We strongly encourage UNAIR students to take advantage of the prestigious Australia Awards scholarship, available for master’s, PhD, and short-course programs. We believe these students will eventually join a network of more than 200,000 alumni who continue to contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia,” he concluded.
Author: Muhammad Yasir Dharmawan D.
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
