Makassar, Indonesia — Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) welcomed representatives from the University of Antwerp, Belgium, to discuss strategic opportunities for academic and research collaboration, particularly through the ARCHES initiative and interdisciplinary heritage studies. The meeting reflected both institutions’ shared commitment to strengthening international partnerships in education, research, cultural heritage, and academic mobility.
During the discussion, Dr Wahyuddin, S.S., M.A., Vice Dean for Partnership and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), UNHAS, highlighted the Faculty’s multidisciplinary academic strengths. He explained that FIB brings together a wide range of disciplines, including language and literature, cultural studies, history, archaeology, and tourism, providing a strong foundation for international interdisciplinary collaboration.
“Our faculty accommodates diverse fields of study that are closely connected to cultural heritage and society. This diversity creates significant opportunities for collaborative research, academic exchange, and curriculum development with international partners,” Dr Wahyuddin noted.
Representing the University of Antwerp, Professor Suzie Thomas, Professor of Heritage Studies, emphasised the growing opportunities for collaboration between Indonesian and European universities. Since September 2024, Professor Thomas has also served as Chairperson of the Education Committee for the Heritage Studies and Conservation-Restoration Programs at the University of Antwerp.
Professor Thomas explained that Europe offers numerous funding schemes and collaborative platforms supporting international research partnerships, joint master’s and doctoral education, and academic exchange. She also highlighted opportunities for student mobility, allowing UNHAS students to spend one semester studying in Belgium while welcoming University of Antwerp students to UNHAS through inbound exchange Programs.
“International collaboration is becoming increasingly important in addressing global heritage challenges. We see considerable potential for joint research, graduate education, and reciprocal student mobility that will benefit both institutions,” she remarked.
The discussion also featured insights from Professor Dr Piraye Hacıgüzeller, Associate Professor in the Department of Heritage at the University of Antwerp. She stressed that digital transformation has become an essential component of contemporary heritage management and cultural preservation.
Professor Hacıgüzeller explained that digital heritage technologies—including digital documentation, metadata management, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital archaeology—are rapidly reshaping research methodologies in archaeology and the digital humanities. She encouraged future collaborations that integrate advanced digital technologies into heritage conservation and archaeological research, creating new opportunities for innovation and interdisciplinary scholarship.
The meeting concluded with remarks from Professor Suhasman, the newly inaugurated Vice Rector for Partnership, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Business of UNHAS, who reaffirmed the university’s commitment to expanding strategic international partnerships.
The meeting concluded with remarks from Professor Suhasman, the newly inaugurated Vice Rector for Partnership, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Business of UNHAS, who reaffirmed the university’s commitment to expanding strategic international partnerships.
Professor Suhasman emphasised the importance of establishing a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UNHAS and the University of Antwerp as a foundation for long-term cooperation. He highlighted the potential development of joint doctoral and postdoctoral Programs supported by international funding opportunities such as the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP), Erasmus+, and other competitive international scholarship schemes.
“The establishment of institutional partnerships is a strategic step towards creating sustainable academic collaboration. We envision future cooperation in doctoral and postdoctoral education, collaborative research, and international mobility Programs that will strengthen both universities’ global engagement,” Professor Suhasman stated.
The meeting represents an important milestone in strengthening the internationalisation agenda of UNHAS while fostering collaboration with one of Europe’s leading institutions in heritage studies. Through partnerships in education, research, digital heritage, and cultural conservation, both universities aim to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the preservation of cultural heritage on a global scale.
