Pursuing World Rankings, Teuku Umar University Launches Campus Internationalization Acceleration Program

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Teuku Umar University (UTU) officially launched its campus internationalization acceleration program at the Teuku Umar Auditorium, Meulaboh, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. This strategic step was taken to achieve the World Class University target as mandated by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek).

The Head of the UTU Internationalization Acceleration Program Task Force, Firman Parlindungan, Ph.D., stated that the university's current primary focus is achieving a ranking in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and THE Impact Ranking. Based on 2025 data, UTU recorded a KPI of 49.44, with significant growth reaching 166.

However, Firman acknowledged the challenge of increasing the volume of scientific publications. Currently, UTU has 523 documents in Scopus and needs an additional 477 publications to meet the minimum requirement of 1,000 documents set by THE WUR. Firman added that UTU's contributions recorded in Scopus are currently dominated by the Zero Hunger sector (50 documents), and the industry and economic growth sectors, each contributing 44 documents.

"Synergy among the entire academic community is crucial for integrating work programs with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Every research and community service must be published with a narrative that supports the SDGs," said Firman.

On the same occasion, Task Force member Dr. Sukma Elida, SKM., M.Kes., outlined six specific programs to support this ambition. These programs include the International Impact Study Program League, International Class Grants, and preparations for the 2026 International Conference on Agricultural and Maritime Industry (ICONAMI).

"We are also encouraging human resource capacity building through a guest lecturer scheme abroad. Proposing lecturers must be at least lecturers with a Sinta score above 200," explained Sukma. UTU is targeting expanding partnerships with universities in Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, and Russia to strengthen student mobility.

The Rector of Teuku Umar University, Prof. Dr. Ishak Hasan, M.Sc., emphasized in his remarks that internationalization is not merely about pursuing rankings, but rather an effort to improve the quality of graduates to ensure global competitiveness.

"2026 is a crucial year for UTU to move up a class. Through improved governance, increased reputable publications, and collaboration with Global South partners, we are optimistic that UTU can improve its position in the state university league and make a real impact internationally," concluded Prof. Ishak Hasan.

The launch event was attended by the entire UTU academic community, from leadership, lecturers, educational staff, and student representatives. Through this launch, Teuku Umar University is committed to transforming all aspects of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education towards sustainable international standards. It is hoped that strong synergy among the entire academic community will lead UTU to become a globally recognized epicenter of knowledge.[]