Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) played an active role as both participant and speaker in the Socialization of Visit Stay Permit Services for Bridging Visas, held on Thursday, 21 August 2025, at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Makassar. UNHAS was invited because of its significant responsibility in managing a growing number of international students and researchers, making the university a key partner in discussions on academic and immigration services. The delegation included International Office officials—Dra. Harniati, Saaduddin, Ph.D., Cahya Aulia Ramdhani A. R, S.I.Kom, as well as 10 international students.
Representing UNHAS as a speaker, Saaduddin, Ph.D (International Office Task Force for International Students and Visa Services) presented Integration of Academic and Immigration Services: Management of International Students and Researchers and Immigration Support at Hasanuddin University. In his talk, he outlined the university’s experiences in supporting international students with visa services, highlighted challenges in aligning academic and immigration procedures, and stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between universities and immigration authorities.
The event itself was hosted by the Directorate General of Immigration, Ministry of Immigration and Corrections of the Republic of Indonesia, and officially opened by Friece Sumolang, S.H., M.H., Head of the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration of South Sulawesi. It gathered around 50 participants, including representatives of university International Offices, international students, and foreign workers. Other speakers included Raden Fajar Jaya Wicaksono, Amd.Im., S.E., M.M. (Head of the Transitional Visit Stay Permit Team), Benyamin Budianto Turupadang, S.STP., M.Si. (Secretary of the Makassar City Tourism Office), and Juniadi Sri Priambudi, S.E., M.Si.(Head of the Status Change and Transitional Visit Stay Permit Review Team).
The socialization of bridging visa services provided a significant breakthrough for prospective international students and researchers at UNHAS. With this scheme, those entering Indonesia initially on a Visa on Arrival (VoA) may transition to a bridging visa before applying for the appropriate residence permit, such as a student visa or research visa. This mechanism is expected to strengthen the internationalization agenda of UNHAS, while also contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by enhancing international partnerships and collaborations.
