**Boosting Academic Exchange and Cross-Regional Collaboration with AIIOC’s International Grant**
The Airlangga Institute of Indian Ocean Crossroads (AIIOC) at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has received funding amounting to $420,000 from the Henry Luce Foundation, which is based in New York. This grant will be utilized to establish a joint Southeast Asia–Africa curriculum as part of the Southeast Asia–Africa Platform (SEA-A), a collaborative effort spearheaded by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS).
Enhancing Academic Collaboration
The funding intends to enhance academic collaboration between prominent institutions in Southeast Asia and Africa, including Universitas Airlangga, Kasetsart University in Thailand, the University of Ghana, and the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The initiative will also engage global partners such as Howard University in the United States, Leiden University in the Netherlands, and the Singapore University of Social Sciences.
Promoting Innovative Knowledge-Sharing Models
AIIOC aims to promote innovative knowledge-sharing models between Southeast Asia and Africa, in alignment with IIAS’s South-South-North vision. This initiative supports AIIOC’s long-term commitment to expanding international networks and fostering cross-regional connections within the Indian Ocean. Additionally, it supports the mission of AIIOC to engage in transformative scholarship that has a broader societal impact.
Opportunities for Academic Mobility
According to Dr. Lina Puryanti, Director of AIIOC, the program presents significant opportunities for academic mobility. During the upcoming Asia-Africa meeting in June, each participating institution will showcase specific initiatives, including academic conferences and community engagement activities. This initiative will allow UNAIR scholars to host international partners and participate actively in programs abroad.
Establishing a Joint Fellowship Program
AIIOC also plans to establish a joint fellowship program with IIAS, drawing from their annual fellowships that cater to various fields within Asian studies. This collaboration further solidifies AIIOC’s role as a center for research and dialogue related to the Indian Ocean.
Developing Sustainable Academic Efforts
The ongoing programs underscore the necessity of developing sustainable academic efforts that link UNAIR with both local and global communities, with aspirations to extend initiatives beyond Surabaya to regions such as Latin America and the Pacific.
Highlighting UNAIR’s International Stature
This grant highlights the growing international stature of UNAIR and reflects AIIOC’s dedication to generating innovative, locally-focused scholarship that addresses both historical and contemporary challenges while pursuing a just and sustainable future.
(Source: Universitas Airlangga)
