Jakarta, August 20, 2026 — Universitas Dian Nusantara (UNDIRA) has strengthened its international academic network through a new partnership with one of Kyiv, Ukraine’s prominent universities, the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. The partnership was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), held on August 17, 2026, at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Kyiv, Ukraine, as part of the celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day.

The signing ceremony was attended in person by Prof. (Hon.) Drs. Arief M. Basalamah, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Ukraine, who also represented UNDIRA in the partnership, alongside Prof. Dr. Serhiy Kvit, Rector of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. The ceremony took place as part of the Indonesian Independence Day celebrations at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Kyiv.

In his remarks, Prof. Arief Basalamah emphasized that the partnership reflects the commitment of the Indonesian Embassy in Kyiv to fostering meaningful relations while supporting inclusive development in education, research, and community engagement between the two countries.

“From January through August this year, the Indonesian Embassy in Kyiv has facilitated a number of cooperation agreements between higher education institutions in Indonesia and Ukraine. We hope these initiatives will strengthen mutual understanding, trust, and, most importantly, the friendship between our two countries. I believe that by establishing a strong foundation for collaboration, various sectors will benefit from its positive impact, including education, which can further strengthen the sustainability and advancement of academic knowledge across borders,” said Prof. Arief Basalamah.

He further expressed his hope that the partnership would extend far beyond the signing of the agreement and lead to tangible academic initiatives.

“I hope this collaboration will not end with the signing of this document. Instead, it should open the way for joint research and community engagement, while also providing opportunities for academics from both countries to participate in academic exchange programs. Through these initiatives, we can continue to strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and Ukraine,” he added.

The collaboration between Universitas Dian Nusantara and the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy marks a new milestone in UNDIRA’s efforts to expand its higher education network internationally. The partnership is expected to create broader opportunities for knowledge exchange, joint research, academic mobility, and community engagement involving academics and students from both institutions.

The signing ceremony concluded with the Indonesian Independence Day celebration, followed by a gathering attended by both Ukrainian and Indonesian communities in Kyiv.

More than just a formal agreement, the MoU represents a shared commitment to growing together, exchanging knowledge, and creating new opportunities for the next generation of academics in both countries. Inspired by the spirit of Indonesia’s Independence Day celebration in Kyiv, this partnership is expected to become the starting point for a long-term journey of collaboration between Indonesia and Ukraine in education and research.

(Danang Respati Wicaksono / Humas UNDIRA)