UK–Indonesia University Collaboration Gains Momentum with Liverpool’s Active Role

President Prabowo Meets UK Institutions to Boost Education, Innovation Cooperation

In a clear demonstration of its global engagement strategy, the University of Liverpool has reaffirmed its commitment to international collaboration by participating in a high-level meeting with His Excellency Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia. Held on 30 May, the meeting convened senior representatives from leading UK institutions, including Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), King’s College London, the British Council, and UK Government officials, to explore opportunities for strengthening UK-Indonesia cooperation in higher education, research, and innovation.

During the meeting, Professor Tariq Ali, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Partnerships at the University of Liverpool, underscored the institution’s enduring ties with Indonesia, particularly through its sister city relationship with Surabaya and academic collaborations in East Java. Furthermore, the discussions highlighted the formation of a university consortium led by QMUL, with Liverpool as a founding member, aimed at advancing inclusive growth and delivering real-world impact through joint educational initiatives.

In addition, Professor Helen Bailey of QMUL described the meeting as a pivotal step towards establishing a long-term partnership, with the consortium seeking to develop a place-based education model that promotes regional development and deepens UK-Southeast Asia collaboration. This initiative aligns with the broader UK-Indonesia strategic partnership, reaffirmed during earlier bilateral talks between President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, where education was identified as a key pillar under the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships programme.

Moreover, British Ambassador Dominic Jermey welcomed the collaboration, commending the UK’s robust education and research capabilities and expressing confidence in the consortium’s potential to support Indonesia’s educational advancement. Professor Sir Steve Smith, the UK Government’s International Education Champion, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the value of partnerships with institutions such as Queen Mary, Liverpool, and King’s College London in fostering innovation, expanding academic opportunities, and strengthening bilateral relations. The University of Liverpool, through its sustained engagement with East Java, continues to build academic and civic partnerships that reinforce the UK-Indonesia relationship through shared knowledge and inclusive development. This collaboration marks a promising step towards deeper educational ties and mutual progress.

Editor’s Note:

The University of Liverpool’s participation in the recent high-level meeting with Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto shows a strong and growing commitment to global education and collaboration. By joining forces with top UK institutions like Queen Mary University of London and King’s College London, Liverpool is helping to build new bridges between the UK and Southeast Asia, particularly in research, teaching, and innovation. With its deep ties to East Java and Surabaya, the University brings valuable local connections and long-standing experience to the table. This initiative is more than just a diplomatic milestone; it’s a real opportunity to shape the future of international education. By working together, UK and Indonesian universities can create new learning models that support regional growth, share knowledge across borders, and open up fresh opportunities for students and researchers alike. 

Skoobuzz believes that at a time when global partnerships matter more than ever, Liverpool’s leadership in this effort reflects not only academic strength but a clear vision for inclusive and impactful progress.