Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, represented Indonesia at the Deep Dialogues forum hosted by the British Council in Cardiff, Wales, from 25 to 27 June 2025. With the theme “Transnational Education (TNE): Exploring Glocalization Strategies,” the event convened 60 higher education leaders, academics, and policymakers from 22 countries to explore how global education models can be locally grounded and socially impactful.

As a featured panel speaker, Prof. Noorhaidi emphasized the importance of TNE as a strategic pillar of internationalization, highlighting UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s Double Degree programs with the University of Edinburgh and SOAS University. However, he cautioned that TNE alone is insufficient. Instead, he proposed a holistic framework where TNE complements international student mobility, joint research, and institutional transformation.

“Transnational education must function as part of an ecosystem,” he noted, “one that fosters intercultural dialogue, academic excellence, and community relevance.”

This marked UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s growing global engagement and reaffirmed Indonesia’s active role in shaping inclusive and forward-looking education policies. Alongside Prof. Noorhaidi, Dr. Rini Setyowati of Binus University also joined as part of the Indonesian delegation. Their presence underscored Southeast Asia’s collective ambition to build academic collaboration that respects diversity while embracing global standards.

The Deep Dialogues series is part of the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships initiative, aimed at strengthening international collaboration in higher education through shared strategies, inclusive values, and sustainable partnerships. (NH, humassk)