BALIKPAPAN— The University of Balikpapan once again welcomed special guests, this time from the University of Seoul. The meeting took place in the Rector’s office on Wednesday (07/15/2026).
The delegation from the University of Seoul consisted of Prof. Jina Kim (Research Professor), Prof. Changguk Kim (Research Professor), Jiyeong Jang (Researcher), and Junghyeon Lee (Researcher), accompanied by Prof. Daeil Kim from Gwangju University.
The arrival of the officials from the University of Seoul and Gwangju University was warmly received by the Rector of the University of Balikpapan, Dr. Ir. Isradi Zainal, S.T., M.T., S.H., M.H., M.M., DESS., M.K.K.K., IPU. Also present to welcome them were the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Alumni, Quality Assurance, and Information Systems, Dr. Aswadul Fitri Saiful Rahman, S.T., M.Eng.; the Vice Rector for Finance, Budgeting, Human Resources, and Entrepreneurship Development, Dr. Indrayani, M.Pd.; and the Vice Rector for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, Public Relations, and International Institutional Relations, Merry Krisdawati Sipahutar, S.Pi., M.Si., Ph.D., alongside the entire structural management of the University of Balikpapan.
The Rector of the University of Balikpapan stated that the university continues to expand its international cooperation to support the development of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN). One of the strategic steps taken is establishing a partnership with the University of Seoul, South Korea.
This collaboration is a follow-up to a meeting previously held with the IKN Authority. The focus of the collaboration is directed toward various programs that support the development of IKN Nusantara, particularly in developing the smart city concept.
The Rector of the University of Balikpapan shared that both institutions have drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is scheduled to be signed in September 2026 in Seoul, South Korea. “God willing, in September we will depart for Seoul to sign the MoU. After that, various cooperation programs will be implemented immediately,” he said.
This year, the University of Balikpapan and the University of Seoul will also collaborate to host the Nusantara Smart City Forum, which is expected to serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences regarding smart city development in IKN.
The scope of cooperation between the two institutions is not limited to organizing the forum. The partnership also covers the fields of education, research, and community service. Furthermore, both universities will develop various projects related to the construction and development of the Nusantara Capital City.
According to the Rector, the University of Seoul warmly welcomed this partnership and showed high enthusiasm during their visit to Balikpapan. All initial documents have been prepared, meaning the next phase is to execute the agreed-upon programs.
“Through this collaboration, the University of Balikpapan hopes to strengthen its role as an academic partner in the development of IKN, while opening up more international cooperation opportunities that benefit the world of education, research, and community service,” concluded the Rector.
Following the meeting, the delegation from the University of Seoul visited the Japay Cafe, located on the 10th-floor rooftop of the rectorate building. In this setting, the Rector and his team engaged in extensive discussions with the delegation while enjoying the panoramic view of Balikpapan city.
PUBLIC RELATIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BALIKPAPAN
