Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) has expanded its global engagement through the launch of Zheng He College, a joint initiative with Jiangsu Vocational Institute of Commerce (JVIC) in China, marking a new milestone in higher education cooperation between the two countries.
The partnership was officially inaugurated at the UNNES Rectorate Senate Room on Tuesday as part of the university’s broader strategy to strengthen international academic and cultural collaboration. UNNES Vice Rector for Cooperation, Business, and International Relations Prof. Dr. Nur Qudus, MT, IPM, said the initiative represents a significant step in fostering mutual understanding through education.
“The partnership between UNNES and JVIC brings many benefits, especially in introducing Chinese language and culture,” Prof. Qudus said. “A total of 38 students from China participated in a one-week program where they learned soft skills such as batik-making and were introduced to Central Javanese culture.”
The program integrates academic exchange with cultural learning, creating an immersive experience for participating students. It also aligns with Indonesia’s broader effort to diversify international higher education partnerships beyond traditional Western countries.
Yayat Hendayana, Head of Cooperation and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, said the initiative supports the government’s vision of expanding global academic diplomacy.
“We encourage Indonesian universities to build collaborations with institutions abroad,” Yayat said. “While many focus on Western countries, UNNES’s initiative to partner with East Asian nations such as China, Japan, and Korea opens up new opportunities.”
According to the ministry, 179 Indonesian universities have initiated 439 cooperation agreements worldwide, with UNNES among the first to implement a government-to-government collaboration framework through Zheng He College.
JVIC President Ms. Wang Zhi Feng expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the initiative, saying it would enhance students’ professional competencies and strengthen educational and cultural ties between Indonesia and China.
“We hope this partnership will strengthen students’ skills in line with the agreed areas of cooperation and contribute positively to educational and cultural development in both countries,” she said.
The launch ceremony was attended by key representatives from UNNES, JVIC, and the Indonesian Ministry of Education, alongside industry leaders including Ms. Loo Hui Ann, Managing Director of ICCCM and ITEA.
UNNES said the establishment of Zheng He College supports its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by promoting inclusive, globally connected education. Through this initiative, UNNES aims to strengthen its role as a bridge between Indonesia and China, fostering long-term academic collaboration, cultural understanding, and shared progress.