The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at UPN Veteran Jakarta has signed a research collaboration agreement with Malaysia’s UiTM to study the impact of Indonesian diaspora language and communication on cultural heritage preservation.
Indonesian Universities Sign Diaspora Research Agreement with Malaysian Partner
Key Details
Dr. S. Bekti Istiyanto, Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Universitas Pembangunan Nasional (UPN) Veteran Jakarta, visited UiTM campus on Thursday, October 2, 2025, resulting in an Implementation Agreement for joint research. The collaboration with the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (FKPM) at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Malaysia focuses on exploring how Indonesian diaspora language and communication shape shared cultural and linguistic heritage among Indonesian expatriates in both Malaysia and Indonesia.
The research examines the role of diaspora language in preserving and enriching cultural heritage and linguistic identity within transnational communities, while supporting bilateral Indonesia-Malaysia relations. According to data from Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1.5 million Indonesian citizens live in Malaysia, with the majority being migrant workers.
- Formal agreement signed between FISIP UPN Veteran Jakarta and FKMP UiTM Malaysia
- Research focuses on Indonesian diaspora communication patterns
- Study involves 1.5 million Indonesian residents in Malaysia
- Project aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 11
- Collaboration includes academic exchange and joint publications
Quotes & Reactions
Dr. S. Bekti Istiyanto emphasized the strategic value of the initiative. “This joint research understands diaspora communication dynamics, strengthens cultural bonds, and supports sustainable development in Southeast Asia,” he said.
TS. Dr. Noor Mayudia binti Mohd Mothar, Deputy Dean of Academics at FKPM, expressed the faculty’s readiness to serve as an active partner through academic exchange, scientific publications, and community service involving faculty and students from both institutions.
Background & Context
The collaboration aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Number 11 regarding Sustainable Cities and Communities, which highlights the protection of cultural diversity in the globalization era. The research addresses crucial questions about cultural identity preservation among Indonesian migrant workers and expatriates living abroad.
This partnership represents a broader trend of Southeast Asian academic collaboration focused on diaspora studies and cross-border cultural research.
What’s Next
The formal agreement signed by both leaders establishes the foundation for research implementation. The initiative opens opportunities for development in communication, culture, and media fields, with both FISIP UPN Veteran Jakarta and FKPM UiTM committed to strengthening academic and socio-cultural relations between the two countries.
The collaboration will involve faculty and student exchanges, joint academic publications, and community service projects that engage both Indonesian and Malaysian academic communities in diaspora research.
