UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) reaffirmed its role as a global academic institution by welcoming H. E. Marc Gerritsen, the Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor Leste, and ASEAN, on Thursday, January 16, 2025. The event, held at the Majapahit Room in the ASEEC Building on UNAIR’s Dharmawangsa-B Campus, was organized by Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE) to enhance international academic partnerships and foster collaboration.
Study opportunities in the Netherlands
In his remarks, Ambassador Gerritsen emphasized the value of pursuing scholarships for overseas education, particularly in the Netherlands. He noted that Dutch education is renowned for its quality and inclusivity, making it an ideal destination for Indonesian students.
“Many Dutch citizens are familiar with Indonesia due to our shared history. Indonesian culture has become part of our identity, and we continue to welcome Indonesian migrants with open arms,” Gerritsen said.
He also stressed the importance of research collaboration between UNAIR and Dutch academic institutions, highlighting its role in fostering innovation and advancing knowledge in diverse fields.
Education and women’s empowerment
The discussion continued at UNAIR’s EU Centre, where the focus shifted to education and the empowerment of women. Gerritsen underscored the Netherlands’ longstanding commitment to international cooperation. “Global collaboration is ingrained in our DNA. We believe education and the opportunity to study abroad are gateways to brighter futures,” he stated.
The Ambassador praised Indonesia’s dedication to improving education quality despite existing challenges. “While Indonesia must chart its own course, we are ready to assist as partners through collaboration and dialogue with the government, including the Ministry of Education,” he added.
Gender equality in the Netherlands, ranked third worldwide, was also a key topic. Gerritsen acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in achieving balance between men’s and women’s roles in society. To address this, the Netherlands has introduced initiatives like positive discrimination, aimed at increasing women’s participation in the workforce by prioritizing their recruitment.
Ambassador Gerritsen concluded by emphasizing the importance of international cooperation as a cornerstone for building a better future. He highlighted the potential of cross-border partnerships in education, research, and societal empowerment to address global challenges.
“We believe that sharing knowledge and experiences is the best way to create positive change. The Netherlands is ready to be a strategic partner in supporting Indonesia’s efforts to enhance education quality and gender equality,” he concluded.
Author: Adinda Aulia Pratiwi
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
