Yogyakarta, Indonesia — In a strategic move to strengthen its global academic standing, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FISHUM) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta welcomed German digital transformation expert, Mr. Bernhard Rassman, on Monday, August 4, 2025. His arrival marks the beginning of the faculty’s participation in the 2025 International Visiting Lecturer (INVITE) Program, in collaboration with Germany’s Senior Experten Service (SES).

Held at the faculty’s Multimedia Room, the welcome session was more than a ceremonial event—it represented a key milestone in FISHUM’s pursuit of academic excellence and internationalization. The program aims to enhance global partnerships, elevate the university’s research and teaching capacity, and support its broader mission to climb the World University Rankings (WUR).

Dean of FISHUM, Prof. Dr. Erika Setyanti Kusumaputri, M.Si., emphasized that Mr. Rassman’s visit is part of a long-term institutional strategy. “His presence is timely and crucial. Our main objective is to accelerate institutional digital transformation and improve the digital competence of our academic community in the face of global disruption,” she stated. “We are building a higher education system that is adaptive, competitive, and globally connected.”

The initiative aligns with UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s broader mission to establish a strong international reputation. “We believe that collaboration with experts from institutions like SES Germany will significantly strengthen UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s position within the global higher education landscape,” said Rector Prof. Dr. Phil. H. Noorhaidi Hasan, M.A. “This is an essential component in our roadmap to becoming a world-class university.”

Mr. Rassman, a seasoned professional in digital systems and institutional change management, expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and his enthusiasm for contributing to Indonesia’s academic development. “Higher education is a cornerstone of our shared future. We all have a responsibility to prepare the next generation to navigate global challenges,” he said.

A dialogue session moderated by FISHUM Psychology lecturer Dr. M. Johan Nasrul Huda provided an interactive platform for Mr. Rassman and UIN faculty members to explore potential collaboration in areas such as information technology, change management, and campus digitalization.

The visit is part of FISHUM’s concrete steps to globalize its academic environment, bridging knowledge from different parts of the world while enhancing institutional resilience and innovation. By engaging in meaningful international cooperation, UIN Sunan Kalijaga reaffirms its commitment to becoming not only a nationally respected institution but also a globally competitive university prepared to shape future-oriented education.