Rawaaopakonsel.ac.id, Yogyakarta – The Rawa Aopa Islamic Institute (IAI) of South Konawe has taken a strategic step onto the international stage by establishing a partnership with the Speaking Online Mental Health Consulting Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in India. This collaboration kicked off on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, with an in-depth virtual discussion focused on strengthening the knowledge framework between the two nations.
Ismail Suardi Wekke, the Vice Rector for Planning, Finance, and Personnel at IAI Rawa Aopa, emphasized that this meeting serves as a cornerstone for the institution’s global networking efforts. “This cooperation is a necessity and a concrete step for us to initiate cross-border academic collaboration. We are starting with intensive discussions on mental health and education issues,” stated Ismail during his briefing from Yogyakarta.
During the session, both parties agreed on several follow-up agendas aimed at elevating academic standards through joint research and publication efforts. Ismail highlighted that prioritizing the investigation into India-Indonesia knowledge frameworks will be a primary focus, with plans already in motion for collaborative scientific journals and book publications. By merging the insights of Indonesian academics with Indian practitioners, the partnership aims to contribute significantly to the global body of science.
The collaboration also serves as a catalyst for institutional exposure, specifically focusing on the preparation of international conference presentations. Ismail noted that by involving lecturers and researchers in these global forums, the institution aims to transcend national educational standards. Furthermore, IAI Rawa Aopa is committed to bringing the local perspectives of Southeast Sulawesi to the international stage, ensuring that regional wisdom informs global solutions for social challenges.
The virtual nature of the meeting highlighted how technology is being leveraged to break down geographical barriers in higher education. This partnership solidifies IAI Rawa Aopa’s position as a progressive institution committed to building meaningful international alliances that offer tangible benefits to the academic community and society at large.