Dili, May 14, 2025 (Média Democracia) – Hasanuddin University Indonesia (UHI) held a press conference regarding cooperation with universities in Timor-Leste as a pathway to send students to study in Indonesia. The conference was held in the VIP Room at Nicolau Lobato International Airport, Dili.
The Rector of Hasanuddin University Indonesia, Jamaluddin Jompa, stated that UNHAS is one of the major universities in Indonesia and now has the opportunity and desire to establish strategic cooperation with the community and government of Timor-Leste, in order to provide opportunities for students to study in Indonesia.
“Through my brother Luciano, who is an alumnus of UNHAS along with many other UNHAS alumni in Timor-Leste, we have been developing strategic programs over the past three years, particularly in the area of human resource capacity development. This is part of our duty to build stronger cooperation because we are neighboring nations,” said Jamaluddin Jompa, Rector of Hasanuddin University.
He added that this cooperation was initiated through discussions with the UNHAS alumni in Timor-Leste, eventually deciding to develop human resources in Timor-Leste through a “university to university” program, which offers opportunities for lecturers, staff, and students to pursue further studies at the master’s (S2) and doctoral (S3) levels at Hasanuddin University.
“We are making efforts to offer the best of the best. We are truly enthusiastic about universities in Timor-Leste accepting the opportunity to continue their studies at Hasanuddin University,” said the UNHAS Rector.
He emphasized that although UNHAS may not be the wealthiest university in Indonesia, it holds a principle of striving to do good for all people, especially the people of Timor-Leste. Currently, there are 74 Timorese students studying at Hasanuddin University, comprising 44 doctoral and 30 master’s students, mostly in the fields of Health and Education.
In a similar context, the Liaison Officer for Hasanuddin in Timor-Leste, Lucio Marçal Gomes, stated that the press conference was held together with Hasanuddin University representatives during their three-day visit to Timor-Leste to establish cooperation, so that Timorese students can study in Indonesia.
“These guests stay for three days in Dili, yesterday, we have conducted many activities. First, we launched the ‘birth’ class, meaning both online and offline classes which was inaugurated by the Rector of Hasanuddin University and attended by His Excellency Mariano Asanami Sabino along with rectors and institutions from 12 universities in Timor-Leste,” said Lucio Marçal Gomes, Liaison Officer for Hasanuddin Timor-Leste.
He added that this cooperation is very beneficial, as currently 74 Timorese students have received scholarships from Hasanuddin University.
“The duration of doctoral studies is three years, and master’s is two years. If the study exceeds the allotted time, students must self-fund the remaining period to complete their degree. Some can finish in just over a year, but others may take longer and are responsible for their own tuition fees,” he said.
He also mentioned that starting in August, more opportunities will be provided for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. He encouraged young people to not miss the chance to study at Hasanuddin University, a public university located in Eastern Indonesia.
Further explained, Hasanuddin University Indonesia, in collaboration with the Hasanuddin Timor-Leste Liaison Officer, is establishing a solid coordination line to open access for Timorese students to study in Indonesia, especially in the two main fields of Health and Education, so that they can contribute to future development in Timor-Leste.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano