Charles Darwin University builds on Indonesia links with new key role

Charles Darwin University is building on its connections with Indonesia, with a key new appointment. Find out what it is.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman AO Credit: CDU.

Charles Darwin University is building on its connections with Indonesia, appointing Dr Nathan Franklin to the role of Associate Vice-Chancellor (AVC) Indonesia.

Dr Franklin spent more than a decade as a lecturer in Indonesian studies.

He said CDU had already established strong links with Indonesia and that goodwill would benefit both the university and friends in the Indo-Pacific into the future.

“But only if those links are acknowledged and nurtured,” he said.

“This is an exciting role with so much change and opportunity in Indonesia in the next five years.

“There is also an opportunity to attract more Indonesian students to the Top End, leveraging our unique lifestyle and outstanding graduate outcomes.”

CDU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Scott Bowman said the university would continue to strengthen its relationship with the Indonesian government and higher education sector.

“Indonesia is a fast-growing economy that is of the utmost importance to the Northern Territory and Australia and will be a key focus of our planning going forward,” Professor Bowman said.

Charles Darwin University Campus in the Darwin CBD. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“I’m confident that Dr Franklin is the right person to further our research capabilities between the two countries, as well as find additional opportunities for CDU to raise its profile with Indonesia’s higher education sector and connect with future international students wanting to study in Australia.”

Minister for International Education, Migration and Population Robyn Cahill said the opportunities to engage with Indonesia in the International Education sector are significant.

“I commend the Charles Darwin University for establishing the role of Associate Vice-Chancellor Indonesia,” she said.

“This is a key strategic appointment, and I look forward to working with Dr Nathan Franklin to build links between the Territory and our close and important neighbour.”

It comes as Minister Cahill on Monday flew to Indonesia to reinforce the Northern Territory’s intention to forge a stronger partnership with its largest neighbour.

The Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in Darwin, Consul Bagus Hendraning Kobarsih, congratulated Dr Nathan Franklin on his new appointment and appreciated the CDU’s continued commitment to fostering closer ties with Indonesia.

“The Indonesian Government is focusing, among others, on the development of human resources in Indonesia, including in education,” Mr Kobarsih said.

“It is hoped that this new role will increase Indonesian students’ access and opportunities to study at the northern Australia’s premier university.”

Federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling said Indonesia’s economic rise will mean a bigger market on our doorstep for Australian goods and services including agriculture, resources and energy and education services.

“Dr Franklin’s role of Associate Vice-Chancellor Indonesia is an excellent appointment that recognises the huge opportunity that our close relationship with Indonesia provides and I very much look forward to continuing to collaborate with Dr Franklin,” he said.