USK Welcomes New Zealand Delegation, Discusses Cooperation and 20 Years of the Helsinki MoU

Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) welcomed a delegation from the Embassy of New Zealand in Indonesia, Deputy Head of Mission Dr. Giselle Larcombe, on 23 September 2025. The visit was received by USK’s Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ir. Agussabti, M.Sc., at the university’s Mini Rektor Hall in Banda Aceh.

The meeting carried special significance as it coincided with the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which ended decades of conflict and ushered in peace in Aceh.

Dr. Larcombe highlighted that the purpose of the visit was to gain a deeper understanding of Aceh’s political, social, and economic development since the peace agreement. She also noted New Zealand’s interest in exploring opportunities for collaboration in education, women’s economic empowerment, renewable energy, and agriculture.

“We are grateful to visit USK and eager to experience Aceh’s cultural heritage. It is important for us to witness firsthand how social and economic development has progressed after two decades of peace,” Dr. Larcombe said.

Prof. Agussabti, representing USK Rector Prof. Dr. Marwan, expressed his appreciation for the delegation’s presence. He emphasized the historic nature of the visit, noting it was the first by the New Zealand Embassy to USK since 2018.

“On behalf of the Rector, it is both an honor and a joy to extend a warm welcome to the delegation from the New Zealand Embassy. We see this visit as an important opportunity to strengthen ties between USK and New Zealand,” he remarked.

Although USK does not yet have formal academic partnerships with New Zealand universities, Prof. Agussabti pointed out that several USK lecturers are alumni of New Zealand institutions, forming a valuable bridge between the two academic communities.

“We hope this visit will pave the way for further dialogue, not only in academic cooperation but also in broader exchanges of knowledge and perspectives, ultimately contributing to sustainable development in Aceh,” he added.

Also present, Dean of USK’s Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Dr. Mahdi Syahbandir, S.H., M.Hum., shared insights into Aceh’s post-Helsinki MoU political landscape. He noted that one of the most tangible outcomes of the peace accord was the establishment of local political parties, enabling the people of Aceh to directly channel their political aspirations.

“Even the Governor of Aceh was once the Commander of GAM, which has helped maintain stability and reduce tensions. Aceh has also established unique institutions such as the Islamic Sharia Agency and the Zakat Management Board, while receiving special autonomy funds amounting to 1 percent of the national budget. Today, there are growing calls to increase that allocation to 2 percent and make it permanent,” Mahdi explained.

The visit marked an important moment for USK to expand its international engagement while opening new avenues of collaboration with New Zealand, particularly in advancing sustainable development and strengthening human resources in Aceh.