Loei, Thailand – June 8, 2026 – An atmosphere of international collaboration filled the hall of Loei Anukulwittaya School, Loei, Thailand, on Monday (June 8), as representatives of educational institutions from Indonesia and Thailand gathered for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The event marked an important milestone in strengthening academic relations, expanding educational networks, and creating new opportunities for cross-border cooperation across Southeast Asia.

The forum brought together Indonesian universities and educational authorities from Loei Province, providing a platform for key stakeholders who share a common vision of enhancing educational quality, promoting knowledge exchange, and advancing human resource development through international collaboration.

Behind this strategic initiative, Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik (UM Gresik) played a significant role as both a connector and an initiator in fostering communication and partnerships with educational authorities in Loei Province. Through its previously established international networks, UM Gresik created opportunities for collaboration that enabled Indonesian higher education institutions to build meaningful partnerships with educational institutions in Thailand.

This collaboration involves the Loei Primary Educational Office (LPEO), Loei Primary Educational Service Area Office 1 (LPESAO 1), Loei Primary Educational Service Area Office 2 (LPESAO 2), Loei Primary Educational Service Area Office 3 (LPESAO 3), and Loei Primary Educational Service Area Office 4 (LPESAO 4), which oversee numerous educational institutions throughout Loei Province. Through this partnership, various academic collaboration opportunities are expected to continue growing and generating mutual benefits for both countries.

The UM Gresik delegation was led by Vice Rector Dr. Slamet Asari, S.Pd., M.Pd., accompanied by the Head of the International Relations Office (IRO), Palina, S.Pd., M.Pd., and Faculty of Engineering lecturer Dzakiyah Widyaningrum, S.T., M.Sc. Their participation reflected the university’s commitment to expanding global networks and creating broader international opportunities for its academic community.

On this occasion, Dr. Slamet Asari stated that the partnership represents a strategic step in strengthening the university’s international engagement while creating greater opportunities for students and lecturers to participate in global academic activities.

“This collaboration is not merely about signing a cooperation agreement; it is about building sustainable relationships and generating meaningful benefits for educational development. We hope this partnership will serve as a gateway to various international academic programs that create a positive impact for students, lecturers, and educational institutions in both countries,” he said.

He further emphasized that UM Gresik will continue expanding international cooperation as part of its commitment to preparing graduates who are capable of competing and contributing in a global environment.

In addition to UM Gresik, the event was attended by several Indonesian universities, including Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo (UMSIDA), Universitas Muhammadiyah Palopo, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sorong, and Universitas Muhammadiyah Surabaya. The participation of these institutions reflected a growing commitment to strengthening the international connectivity of Indonesian higher education.

The MoU signing serves not only as a formal agreement but also as a foundation for future collaborative initiatives. These initiatives include student and lecturer exchanges, international internship programs, joint research projects, collaborative scientific publications, community engagement activities, and academic as well as cultural programs that support the development of global competencies among learners.

For UM Gresik, this partnership forms part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its international presence. Through its active role as a bridge between Indonesian and Thai educational institutions, UM Gresik continues to foster an open, innovative, and globally oriented educational ecosystem.

This milestone further reinforces UM Gresik’s position as a university that not only participates in international cooperation but also contributes to expanding access to global partnerships for Indonesian educational institutions. With a strong commitment to collaboration and international engagement, UM Gresik continues to advance educational initiatives that are relevant to the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.