Monash University, Indonesia and Muhammadiyah formalise strategic partnership to advance doctoral education and research excellence
MoU signing between Monash University, Indonesia and Muhammadiyah
Jakarta – Monash University, Indonesia and Muhammadiyah have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, marking a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration between one of the world's leading universities and Indonesia’s largest Islamic organisation.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. H. Haedar Nashir, M.Si., Chairperson of Muhammadiyah, and Prof. Matthew Nicholson, Pro Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University, Indonesia, during Muhammadiyah’s General Assembly monthly meeting. The signing was witnessed by senior leaders from both institutions, including representatives from Muhammadiyah’s Central Board, the Research and Development Council, and leaders of Muhammadiyah universities from across Indonesia.
The agreement formalises six months of intensive discussions and reflects a shared commitment to advancing higher education, research collaboration, and human capital development in Indonesia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Matthew Nicholson highlighted Monash University’s commitment to supporting Indonesia’s higher education ecosystem through meaningful partnerships.
Prof. Matthew Nicholson delivering his remarks
"The future of education lies in collaboration – bringing together global academic excellence and local expertise while responding to national priorities. Through this partnership with Muhammadiyah, we aim to create opportunities that strengthen research capacity, develop future academic leaders, and contribute to Indonesia’s long-term development," said Prof. Matthew Nicholson.
A key focus of the partnership is the proposed Muhammadiyah–Monash Talent Accelerator PhD Program (MTAP), a doctoral education initiative developed jointly by Monash University, Indonesia and Muhammadiyah’s Higher Education and Research Council.
The MTAP program is designed as a co-supervision PhD scheme involving Muhammadiyah universities, Monash University, Indonesia, and Monash University Australia. The pilot phase will involve five Muhammadiyah universities, each nominating two doctoral candidates, creating an inaugural cohort of 10 PhD students.
Beyond doctoral mobility, the program aims to strengthen academic capacity across participating institutions by providing greater access to international research networks, academic journals, collaborative research opportunities, and global funding ecosystems.
Prof. Haedar Nashir welcomed the collaboration as an important step toward enhancing the quality and global competitiveness of higher education within the Muhammadiyah network.
Prof. Haedar Nashir, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah, described the partnership as a strategic collaboration that will create long-term value for Muhammadiyah’s higher education institutions.
Prof. Dr. H. Haedar Nashir, M.Si. welcoming the Monash University Indonesia representative and delivering his remarks
"For Muhammadiyah, this is a strategic partnership. We believe this collaboration with Monash University, Indonesia is highly important, particularly for Muhammadiyah universities across Indonesia. Through this partnership, we hope to strengthen academic quality, expand international engagement, and create greater opportunities for our lecturers and students to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and society," said Prof. Haedar Nashir.
The MoU signing was followed by a proposal presentation and strategic discussion with Muhammadiyah leadership and university representatives. The session explored pathways for implementing MTAP and securing long-term support for the initiative, including potential funding opportunities through Indonesia’s Education Endowment Fund (LPDP).
The partnership reflects a shared vision to nurture a new generation of scholars capable of addressing complex societal challenges through impactful research and innovation.
Since establishing its presence in Indonesia in 2021, Monash University, Indonesia has actively built partnerships with higher education institutions across the country. Following collaborations with private universities in 2024 and public universities in 2025, the partnership with Muhammadiyah represents an important expansion of Monash Indonesia’s engagement with faith-based higher education institutions.
Both organisations expressed optimism that the collaboration will serve as a foundation for broader academic and research initiatives in the future, contributing to a more inclusive, diverse, and globally connected higher education landscape in Indonesia.