Indonesia Welcomes Kings College London to Singhasari SEZ

Jakarta, INTI – In a strategic move to capitalize on the demographic dividend and achieve the vision of a Golden Indonesia by 2045, the Indonesian government is intensifying efforts to enhance human resource development through quality education. This initiative is being bolstered by leveraging the facilities within Special Economic Zones (SEZ).

On Thursday, June 20, at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, the government granted permission for the establishment of King's College London (KCL) branch campus in the Singhasari SEZ. Singhasari SEZ is the first designated zone aimed at developing the digital economy and education sectors.

The permit, issued through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Decree No. 238/E/O of 2024, was awarded to the King Singhasari Indonesia Foundation.

"This marks a new chapter in Indonesia's education history with the arrival of a top 100 global university, ranked 40th worldwide, in Malang. We hope this will bolster the education cluster in Malang and facilitate collaboration with other top global universities, preparing our human resources for the future of work," said Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Chair of the National SEZ Council.

KCL will fully manage the master’s degree programs, including curriculum and teaching staff. Initially, the focus will be on the digital economy with the MSc Digital Economies program starting in September 2024, followed by the MSc Digital Futures in January 2025.

The Place-Based Trans-National Education (TNE) offered by KCL is the first of its kind in Indonesia. Half of KCL's faculties in London are involved in setting up the TNE in Indonesia, demonstrating KCL's commitment to its Indonesian campus.

"The presence of King's College London will also facilitate Indonesian students who wish to study at KCL. This will create a dual opportunity: training Indonesians locally and providing access to study at KCL in London, enhancing the flow of students between the two campuses," Minister Airlangga added.

Future plans include launching a new program annually, such as MSc Digital Law in the third year, MSc Psychology in the fourth year, and MSc Cyber Security in the fifth year. Singhasari SEZ will provide the necessary infrastructure and learning facilities.

Minister Airlangga also directed KCL to accommodate at least 1,500 students, collaborating with the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) to offer scholarships to Indonesian students.

"We hope more top universities will come to Indonesia, enhancing our human resources in line with our demographic dividend. Our youth should be productive and capable of meeting the needs of the digital economy," concluded Minister Airlangga.

The event was attended by notable figures including Matthew Downing, Deputy Head of Mission to Indonesia and Timor Leste, British Embassy in Jakarta; Helen Bailey, Deputy Vice President of Global Business Development at KCL; Summer Xia, Country Director of British Council in Indonesia; Susiwijono Moegiarso, Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs; Rizal Edwin, Acting Secretary General of the National SEZ Council; Elen Setiadi, Deputy for Business Development, SOEs, Research, and Innovation at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs; Haryo Limanseto, Spokesperson for the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs; Bhimo Widyo Andoko, Director of Institutional Affairs at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology; David Santoso, Chair of the King Singhasari Indonesia Foundation; Nurman Ramadansyah, Secretary of Malang Regency; and representatives from the British Government and King's College London.