UNAIR NEWS – Dr. Tahta Amrillah, an assistant professor at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Indonesia, brings a strong background in international academic collaboration. He earned his Ph.D. from National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan, completed a research internship at the Max Planck Institute in Germany, and pursued postdoctoral research at Tohoku University in Japan. His expertise includes nanomaterials, the properties of oxides and chalcogenides, and the development of thin films and nanocrystals, especially for renewable energy technologies.
Most recently, he broadened his global academic experience by participating in the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Teaching program at the University Politehnica Timișoara in Romania. Recognized as one of the most prestigious international mobility programs, Erasmus+ is a highly coveted opportunity for academics worldwide.
“I felt deeply honored to be chosen. This program offered a valuable chance not only to explore new perspectives in education and research but also to experience the cultural richness of Europe.”
He also emphasized the strategic importance of the visit, noting that UNAIR currently maintains limited partnerships with Romanian institutions. He hopes this engagement will pave the way for stronger institutional collaborations in the near future.
While in Romania, Dr. Amrillah taught a course on renewable energy, with a focus on solar cell technology. “I also used the opportunity to introduce Indonesian culture, cuisine, and tourist attractions to the students. It was a great way to blend science with cultural exchange,” he said.
Teaching in Romania proved to be an invigorating experience. The academic environment encouraged active participation, and students demonstrated genuine curiosity—not just about the course material, but also about Indonesia. “The students were very interactive and familiar with discussion-based learning. This method really helps students better grasp complex topics, and I intend to adopt it in my own teaching at UNAIR.”
His interactions extended beyond the classroom. Faculty members at the University Politehnica of Timișoara (UPT) expressed keen interest in his research and potential collaborations. “We exchanged many ideas about the ongoing research at UNAIR and explored ways to work together in the future,” he shared. He also promoted UNAIR’s international programs, fostering opportunities for faculty and student exchanges.
Cultural exchange was a key part of his experience. On campus, conversations often centered around how local culture shapes education and research. Off campus, he explored the city of Timișoara and was struck by Romania’s diverse cultural roots. “Romanians were incredibly warm and welcoming—much more than I expected from a European country,” he said. “Their culture shows influence from Italy, Turkey, Russia, and Hungary. Even their language shares similarities with Italian—like saying ‘ciao’ to say goodbye.”
Professionally, the program proved to be highly impactful. “Being part of Erasmus+ raises your profile as a lecturer and opens many doors for teaching and research collaboration,” he noted.
He was particularly impressed by how Romanian institutions integrate lab-based learning directly into classroom instruction, making it easier for students to understand complex scientific concepts. “This kind of integration is something I hope to implement in Indonesia as well.”
However, international programs also present logistical challenges. The biggest hurdle for Dr. Amrillah was obtaining a visa, as Romania does not have an embassy in Indonesia. “I initially planned to apply in Thailand, but eventually processed my visa through Hungary—Romania’s neighboring country—and traveled overland. It was time-consuming, but it worked out in the end.”
When asked about his most memorable moment, he replied, “There were many. But what stood out most was the stunning beauty of Timișoara and, above all, the remarkable warmth of the Romanian people.”
Author: Fiona Lim, Airlangga Global Engagement Intern, student at the Faculty of Economics and Business
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
