UAD Discusses Initiation of International Cooperation in Disaster Management with JICA and AIDHM
Yogyakarta, July 29, 2026 — Ahmad Dahlan University (UAD) continues to strengthen its international academic network by exploring collaboration in the field of disaster management. The Faculty of Medicine, in collaboration with the Office of Cooperation and International Affairs (OCIA), hosted an International Academic Collaboration Visit and Partnership Meeting with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the ASEAN Institute for Disaster Health Management (AIDHM) on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the A. R. Fachrudin Building.
The meeting served as a strategic platform to explore opportunities for academic collaboration, research, capacity building, and institutional networking among ASEAN countries with a shared interest in disaster management. Discussions also focused on strengthening UAD’s role within a broader international collaboration ecosystem.
One of the opportunities discussed was UAD’s potential involvement in the ASEAN Academic Network developed by JICA. The network currently comprises 23 institutions and focuses on various academic activities, including joint academic research, conferences, training programs, and strengthened institutional collaboration among ASEAN countries in the field of disaster management.
During the meeting, JICA explained that its role is to build connections and facilitate partnerships among universities and relevant institutions in Indonesia and across ASEAN, creating broader opportunities for academic collaboration. For UAD, participation in such a network would provide an opportunity to further strengthen its academic and research ecosystem in disaster management.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of developing research laboratories that can grow sustainably, provide broader benefits, and contribute not only to UAD but also to the wider Muhammadiyah network. In addition, AIDHM opened opportunities for researchers, particularly early-career researchers, to expand their publication networks and share research findings through journals focusing on disaster management.
The forum was also viewed as an avenue for researchers from different countries to exchange ideas and explore new opportunities for international collaboration. The 4th Asian Academic Conference is scheduled to take place again in 2027, with members of the network encouraged to contribute by submitting research papers.
The meeting marked an important first step for UAD in expanding its international academic connections in disaster management. Through collaboration with JICA and AIDHM, UAD has opportunities to strengthen its research networks, publications, conferences, and academic capacity development while taking a more active role in cross-border collaboration across the ASEAN region.
Moving forward, this emerging partnership is expected to develop into various academic initiatives that benefit the UAD academic community, strengthen research capacity, and contribute to the advancement of disaster management knowledge and practices at the regional level.
