..stronger international partnerships are essential to improving higher education quality, research capacity, and the development of globally competitive human resources.
Ambon, Maluku (ANTARA) – Pattimura University (Unpatti) and the French Embassy in Indonesia are expanding cooperation in education and research as a follow-up to initiatives under the France-Indonesia Joint Working Group, university officials said on Tuesday.
Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of Pattimura University Prof. Dominggus Malle said French Ambassador to Indonesia Fabien Penone’s visit to Ambon, Maluku, marked an important step in strengthening partnerships between the university and French higher education institutions.
“This visit is an important opportunity to strengthen academic relations between Pattimura University and various educational institutions in France,” Dominggus said.
He said the university hopes existing collaborations will continue to grow and contribute to education, research, and capacity building for its academic community.
According to Dominggus, Pattimura University currently maintains several cooperation programs with French universities, particularly in the fisheries sector.
He added that the French Embassy had expressed appreciation for the participation of French students in short-course programs at the university’s Faculty of Science and Technology.
Dominggus said stronger international partnerships are essential to improving higher education quality, research capacity, and the development of globally competitive human resources.
Head of Pattimura University International Office Jhon Latuny said a university delegation is scheduled to visit France in the near future for follow-up discussions on more concrete cooperation opportunities.
The planned talks will focus on education, research, and human resource development while supporting the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology’s efforts to strengthen international academic collaboration under the France-Indonesia cooperation framework.
French Ambassador to Indonesia Fabien Penone said his visit to Ambon aimed to explore cooperation opportunities that could be developed with Pattimura University.
In addition to existing collaboration in fisheries and short-course programs involving French students, the two sides discussed promoting the French language, expanding cultural activities, and increasing information on study opportunities in France through Unpatti’s French Corner.
During the visit, Penone toured the French Corner facility at the university library, which serves as a center for French-language learning and cultural exchange.
Students also presented French-language performances, including conversations, poetry readings, and songs, showcasing the language and cultural training they had received.
The partnership is expected to expand academic collaboration, research, student exchanges, and human resource development, benefiting both the university community and the wider Maluku region.
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Translator: Ode Dedy Lion Abdul Azis, Martha Herlinawati Siman
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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