Yogyakarta, March 31, 2026 — Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) convened a public hearing on the draft Rector’s Regulation on Research Centers, bringing together representatives from 21 study centers across the university to gather input on the proposed policy.
Among the participants, the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) stood out with the strong support of its international partner, Jianbang Deng from Tamkang University, Taiwan. His presence highlighted not only a long-standing collaboration—dating back to his role as a visiting professor in 2019—but also the continued and active engagement between CESASS and its global academic network. This sustained partnership underscores CESASS’s growing international reach and reinforces the importance of cross-border collaboration in shaping research development at UGM.
Discussions focused on strengthening key aspects of the regulation, including institutional roles and the future positioning of research centers at UGM. The session was opened by Danang Sri Hadmoko, Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, who underscored the importance of further refining and strengthening the role of research centers within the university. The draft of the Rector’s Regulation was subsequently elaborated by Mirwan Ushada, Director of Research.
The discussion was also attended by Prof. Sulistiowati, Chair of the Academic Senate, and Tarcicius Yoyok Wahyu Subroto, who is responsible for the governance of research centers.
Providing an international academic perspective, Prof. Jianbang Deng emphasized the importance of positioning research centers as strategic hubs at both regional and global levels. By strengthening this role, he noted, research centers can enhance institutional visibility while serving as key connectors in building sustained and impactful academic networks.
Insights from the session will inform the finalization of the Rector’s Regulation, contributing to UGM’s broader efforts to enhance its research ecosystem and global engagement.
Reporter: CESASS Team