TIAS 2025: IPB University Strengthens Global Engagement Through Education and Innovation

IPB University officially welcomed 295 international students from 18 countries under the Indonesia Aid Scholarship (TIAS) program and inaugurated their first International Students Gathering TIAS 2025 event. The event, held from 29-31 October at IPB International Convention Centre (IICC), integrated students from 26 partner universities across Indonesia. The Indonesia Aid Scholarship (TIAS) is a governmental program intended for civil servants, other government officials, and citizens of partner countries in order to pursue advanced degrees in higher education institutions in Indonesia. As part of the broader internationalisation commitment and development of the global campus, IPB University continues to run programs that support global students through inclusive learning environments, cultural immersion, and innovation-driven research.

According to the Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria, the gathering holds a meaningful opportunity to strengthen international collaboration and networking in academia while showcasing the role of the university in advancing Indonesia's educational diplomacy. For 2026 forward, IPB University's vision is that of Global Engagement, wherein the aforementioned initiative will extend education, research, and community service across the Global South. Accordingly, the university's Innopreneurial University ecosystem will deliver impacts in many villages through living labs and socio-innovation programs. Prof. Arif said the presence of international students happens because of IPB University dedicating itself to becoming a global university and promoting internationalisation of higher education in Indonesia.

The three-day program itself is animated with different activities that promote student engagement and cultural exchange. Among the highlights were the Gala Dinner, a Cultural Activity, TIAS Got Talent showcase, and educational excursions to the Bogor Botanical Gardens and at Science Techno Park (STP) of IPB University. The impetus behind those experiences was to network students internationally, bring them into contact with Indonesian culture, and strengthen solidarity between nations. The numbers have, however, drastically increased from 125 in 2024 to 170 in 2025, proving that there is increasing interest in international education opportunities in Indonesia.

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Prof Brian Yuliarto, stated during the affair that TIAS is one important program in adding fuel to the fire for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially human resource development. Education will mean the fastest way to get a country out of poverty, but the TIAS creates global partnerships and unique leadership, such as in green energy, food security, and social transformation. He challenged the students to be more sustainable leaders and critical thinkers, "bridges of collaboration" between Indonesia and the world.

Also addressing the gathering was the Deputy Minister of Finance, Prof Suahasil Nazara, who elaborated on Indonesia's active role in development and peace cooperation worldwide. He stated that the TIAS program is part of Indonesia's constitutional mandate to contribute to the peace and order of the world. The Indonesian AID funding would see scholarship recipients enabled to complete their studies while learning more about Indonesian values, establishing lasting international ties, and becoming future ambassadors of cooperation.

The International Students Gathering TIAS 2025 stands as proof of the growing educational diplomacy of Indonesia and its envisioned future toward a more interconnected and collaborative world.

Editor's Note:

The international students gathering at TIAS 2025 at IPB University exemplifies Indonesia's commitment to inclusive higher education with a global outlook. The gathering of 295 international students from 18 countries enables not only academic diplomacy but also the solidification of IPB University's standing as a global campus working toward collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange. Specifically, TIAS financed under the Indonesia Aid Scholarship conveys a strategic and vocational view toward international education. It builds insight into Indonesian society in students, as well as providing a grant in support of education and scientific knowledge, as far as sustainability projects are concerned. Students are encouraged to become critical thinkers and sustainable leaders who are much needed in today's interconnected world through experience-based activities like living labs, cultural visits, and innovation displays. In addition, this initiative affords Indonesia the occasion to demonstrate a proactive approach toward fulfilling the SDGs-priority areas, being human capital development and South-South cooperation. It is warming to see education so widely spread as a bridge for peace, mutual understanding, and lasting partnerships. The steady annual increase in participant numbers is a further indication of growing confidence in Indonesia's higher education sector to elicit real change.

Skoobuzz underlines that this gathering is a strong example of how universities can actively contribute to global solidarity. More than just an event, it serves as a clear statement that educational collaboration fosters an inclusive future built on cooperation.

FAQs

1. What is the International Students Gathering TIAS 2025?

The International Students Gathering TIAS 2025 is a three-day event hosted by IPB University from 29–31 October 2025 at the IPB International Convention Centre (IICC). It welcomed 295 international students from 18 countries under the Indonesia Aid Scholarship (TIAS) program and integrated participants from 26 partner universities across Indonesia.

2. What is the Indonesia Aid Scholarship (TIAS)?

TIAS is a government-funded scholarship program designed for civil servants, government officials, and citizens of partner countries to pursue advanced degrees in Indonesian higher education institutions. It supports Indonesia’s educational diplomacy and global engagement goals.

3. Who organised the TIAS 2025 gathering?

IPB University organised the event as part of its commitment to internationalisation and inclusive education. The gathering was supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Finance of Indonesia.

4.What activities were featured during the event?

The gathering featured a rich programme of activities aimed at promoting student engagement and cultural immersion. Highlights included a Gala Dinner, a Cultural Activity, the TIAS Got Talent showcase, and educational excursions to the Bogor Botanical Gardens and IPB University’s Science Techno Park (STP). These experiences were designed to deepen intercultural understanding and foster solidarity among nations.

5.What is IPB University’s vision for global engagement?

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, IPB University envisions a strategic shift toward Global Engagement. This includes extending education, research, and community service across the Global South through its Innopreneurial University ecosystem. The university aims to deliver impact through living labs and socio-innovation programmes that benefit rural communities and promote sustainable development.

6.How does TIAS contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

TIAS plays a pivotal role in advancing SDG priorities, particularly in human capital development, green energy, food security, and South-South cooperation. By equipping students with leadership skills and critical thinking capabilities, the programme supports global partnerships and social transformation. It positions education as a powerful tool for poverty alleviation and sustainable progress.

7.How has participation in TIAS evolved?

The TIAS programme has seen a significant increase in participation, growing from 125 students in 2024 to 170 in early 2025, and reaching 295 attendees at the 2025 gathering. This upward trend reflects growing global confidence in Indonesia’s higher education sector and its capacity to deliver meaningful international learning experiences.

8.What impact does TIAS have on students?

TIAS offers more than just financial support; it provides international students with immersive experiences in Indonesian society, culture, and innovation. Through activities such as living labs, cultural visits, and collaborative research, students gain valuable insights and skills that prepare them to lead in sustainability and global cooperation.

9.Why is the TIAS 2025 gathering significant for Indonesia?

The TIAS 2025 gathering exemplifies Indonesia’s proactive approach to educational diplomacy and global solidarity. It reinforces IPB University’s role as a global campus committed to inclusive education, innovation, and intercultural exchange. The event stands as a testament to how universities can actively contribute to peace, mutual understanding, and sustainable development through international collaboration.