Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) Executive President Professor Youmin Xi led a delegation to Jakarta from 23 to 24 June to host the “Next Together Indonesia 2026” forum. The event, which focused on artificial intelligence and employability, marked XJTLU’s first educational forum in Indonesia, a nation that currently represents the university’s largest international student market with approximately 700 students on campus.
Why Indonesia is a priority for XJTLU
The visit underscores the deepening academic and economic ties between China and Indonesia. According to XJTLU, there are currently 1,500 applications from Indonesian students for the upcoming academic year, maintaining the university’s position as a major host for Indonesian students in China. This educational exchange mirrors broader bilateral trends; China has served as Indonesia’s largest trading partner for 13 years, recently bolstered by the $2.2 billion “Two Countries, Twin Parks” industrial initiative. By engaging with over 100 stakeholders in Jakarta—including alumni, parents, and industry partners—XJTLU aims to solidify its footprint as it enters its third decade of operation.
Addressing the post-AI professional landscape
During the forum, experts analyzed how rapid technological shifts impact career preparation. Professor Youmin Xi noted that social stability and sustainability remain the primary challenges of the AI era, arguing that universities must work with society to address the widening gap between wealth and intelligence. Dr. Pietro Borsano, Associate Professor at XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang), described the “post-AI dilemma” as an open question for students, suggesting that the university experience is where individuals must discover their own passions and motivations to remain competitive. Dr. Foedjiawati of Petra Christian University added that AI is being integrated into textbooks and curricula to help students learn beyond traditional classroom boundaries.
What happens next for academic cooperation
The delegation’s visits to BINUS and Universitas Indonesia suggest that XJTLU is moving toward formalizing deeper institutional partnerships. Discussions between the parties focused on establishing concrete pathways for collaboration, including student exchange schemes, summer school programs, and joint China-ASEAN academic initiatives. While these programs remain in the discussion phase, the commitment to these frameworks indicates a potential increase in cross-border research and student mobility between China and Indonesia in the coming years. Further expansion of these networks could provide more structured opportunities for the 450-member strong Indonesian alumni network to maintain professional ties with the university.
Keep reading