UNAIR NEWS – Strengthening international friendship is one of the key steps for universities to expand their global presence. This spirit was reflected in the presence of the Rector of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Prof Dr Muhammad Madyan SE MSi MFin, in the celebration of the 77th National Day of the People’s Republic China (PRC), on Tuesday,September 22, 2026, located at Vasa Hotel Surabaya. At the invitation of the Consul General of PRC in Surabaya, the attendance of UNAIR Rector served as a part of efforts to maintain a good relationship while opening opportunities in strengthening international networks, particularly between UNAIR and China.
China encourages global partnership and collaboration
The Consul General of PRC in Surabaya, Ye Su, expressed his appreciation to all those present who support the development of China in Indonesia. In his remarks, he highlighted the development journey of China, from poverty alleviation until economic growth and technological advancement. “China continues to develop and contribute to global economic growth. Currently, China’s contribution stands at around 30 percent,” he said. He also highlighted the development of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and medication as promising new commodities in the international market.
Ye Su emphasized that a country’s progress lies not only in its economic achievements but also in the benefits it brings to the world. “A country’s greatness lies in the benefits it brings to the world. China opposes all forms of unilateral actions and continues to encourage fair and civilized global governance,” he said. He added that China is ready to share opportunities with the world through trade partnerships and mutually beneficial cooperations. According to him, the strategic relationship between Indonesia and China has yielded various positive outcomes in supporting the modernization of both countries.
East Java-China partnership for shared prosperity
Furthermore, Ye Su highlighted the 20 years journey of Consulate General PRC in Surabaya, which has witnessed a variety of partnership potentials in East Java. He noted that industrial collaboration projects have also contributed to the local economy. “Through tangible partnership outcomes, we can build a good and mutually beneficial relationship. We appreciated all of the parties who have supported bilateral relations between China and Indonesia. May the friendship between Indonesia and China last forever,” he said.
The Vice Governor of East Java, Emil Elestianto Dardak, also expressed his appreciation for Consul General Ye Su’s role in maintaining good relationships with various segments of society in East Java. He hopes that the relationships that have been established can continue to grow through border collaborations. “I appreciate the Consul General Ye Su who consistently fostering and maintaining good relationships with all segments of society in East Java. Hopefully the partnership between China and East Java will continue to grow in the future, and the close ties between us will always be maintained,” he said. Dardak also hopes that PRC will continue to make progress so that both of the parties can achieve mutual prosperity.
UNAIR expands international networking with China
The presence of UNAIR Rector, Prof Madyan, in this diplomatic moment reflected the importance of international networking in supporting UNAIR’s role as a globally-oriented university. A good relationship with China served as one of the strategic platforms to expand collaboration opportunities in education, research, and sciences development sectors. Through its participation in the international friendship forums, UNAIR helped maintain communication with the stakeholders and opened platforms for the productive and sustainable partnerships between Indonesia and China.
Author: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
