The Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), and Hochschule Osnabrück, Germany, are strengthening their strategic partnership by exploring collaboration in education, research, and international mobility. The discussions took place during an FEB UGM delegation’s visit to Osnabrück from October 5–8, 2026, as part of the German–Indonesian Partnership for Sustainable Higher Education Development and Transformation program under the DAAD UAS-International Program.
The FEB UGM delegation, comprising the task force for the DAAD-International Doctorate in Business (IDB) program at FEB UGM, was led by Prof. Nurul Indarti, S.E., Sivilokonom., Cand., Head of the Department of Management at FEB UGM. Merc., Ph.D., had the opportunity to hold discussions with several senior officials from Hochschule Osnabrück, including the Vice-President for Research, Knowledge Transfer and Academic Training, Prof. Dr. Bernd Lehmann; the Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Teaching, Prof. Dr. Kathrin Loer; and the Academic Dean for International Affairs at the Faculty of Business Management and Social Sciences, Prof. Dr. Holger Sutschet.
In addition to Nurul Indarti, the FEB UGM delegation comprised Secretary of the Department of Management, Nofie Iman Vidya Kemal, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D.; Secretary of the Undergraduate Management Study Program, Rocky Adiguna, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D.; Secretary of the Master of Management Study Program at the Jakarta Campus, Sari Sitalaksmi, S.E., M.Mgt., Ph.D.; and Head of the Master of Science and Doctoral Programs in Management, Widya Paramita, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D.
Nurul Indarti explained that the visit included discussions on the progress of the DAAD-International Doctorate in Business (IDB) program at FEB UGM. The strengthened partnership is intended to ensure the continuity of teaching and learning activities, joint research, academic exchanges, and the development of industry networks.
“During the visit, Hochschule Osnabrück expressed its view that FEB UGM is one of its strategic partners, with a partnership that is expected to continue developing over the long term and extend beyond the implementation of the DAAD-IDB program,” she emphasized.
One of the agreed follow-up initiatives is the organization of IDB International Week, scheduled for September 6–10, 2027, in Osnabrück. The five-day program is planned to include academic activities and lectures, research presentations by students from IDB Batches 1 and 2, visits to companies or institutions, and discussions on academic networking and collaboration opportunities.
An industrial visit to CLAAS also formed part of the efforts to strengthen ties between higher education institutions and the business sector. In addition to opening opportunities for student visits, the two institutions explored potential joint research projects and industry-funded collaborations.
In the research area, one of the ideas discussed was a comparative study of consumer decisions to repair or replace products (repair versus replacement) across Indonesia, Germany, and the Netherlands.
“We also discussed other research ideas with our colleagues in Osnabrück, including opportunities for joint publications and research funding,” Nurul stated.
Beyond the DAAD-IDB program, Nurul explained that FEB UGM and Hochschule Osnabrück also discussed opportunities for FEB UGM lecturers to participate in International Block Weeks, intensive teaching programs held every May and October.
“We also explored opportunities for lecturer and student mobility through the Erasmus+ KA171 scheme. Applications for the next cooperation period are planned for autumn 2027,” she explained.
Nurul added that the proposed development of an Event Management concentration within the Undergraduate International Undergraduate Program (IUP) in Business at FEB UGM was also discussed during the visit. Hochschule Osnabrück’s academic expertise in this field could support the development of course materials and joint academic activities.
The discussions also covered curriculum mapping and the potential development of double-degree programs, including possible links with the MBA or MSc in Management programs.
“We also discussed the possibility of developing a pathway from FEB UGM’s MSc in Management or MBA programs to doctoral studies at Hochschule Osnabrück,” she added.
During the visit, the FEB UGM delegation also met with Indonesian students currently studying in Osnabrück. The students expressed appreciation for the interactive and practice-oriented learning experience. At the same time, they provided feedback on aspects of the academic system and the internship-finding process, which students generally need to arrange independently.
This feedback will be an important consideration for FEB UGM in strengthening preparations for students participating in international mobility programs, particularly regarding academic readiness and their ability to adapt to the learning and professional environments of their host countries.
Reported by: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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