Public Relations of UPNVJ – PATTANI, Thailand – The National Development University “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) strengthened Indonesia–Thailand education diplomacy through participation in the Indonesia Education Fair (IEF) 2026 at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) Pattani, Thailand, Wednesday (2/9/2026). In a series of University Exhibition and Booth Visits activities, the UPNVJ booth received a direct visit from Sub. Lieutenant Sombat Singkarn, Deputy Governor of Pattani Province, and Herry Purwanto, Head of the Republic of Indonesia Representative Office (Keppri) Songkhla and Consul for Information, Social, and Culture (Kortim Pensusbud) of the Indonesian Consulate General in Songkhla.

The visit served as a strategic opportunity to showcase the excellence of Indonesian higher education while also opening up opportunities to strengthen academic collaboration between UPNVJ and international partners, particularly in Southern Thailand. The UPNVJ delegation introduced various flagship programs, study opportunities for international students, academic facilities, and experiential learning concepts within Jakarta's strategic environment.

Sub. Lieutenant Sombat Singkarn expressed his appreciation for the presence of Indonesian universities at IEF 2026, which provided an opportunity for Southern Thai students to gain a better understanding of higher education options in Indonesia. He stated that international education forums like this play a crucial role in strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries through education.

"The presence of Indonesian universities in Pattani provides an opportunity for the younger generation of Southern Thailand to gain firsthand information about educational opportunities and build stronger relationships through academics," said Sub. Lieutenant Sombat Singkarn.

In addition to the Deputy Governor of Pattani, Herry Purwanto, Head of the Indonesian Representative Office (Keppri) in Songkhla and Consul for Information, Social Affairs, and Culture at the Indonesian Consulate General in Songkhla, also visited the UPNVJ booth. He expressed his support for Indonesian universities' efforts to expand the promotion of higher education in Southern Thailand as part of strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and Thailand.

"Education is a crucial bridge in strengthening relations between the people of Indonesia and Thailand. The presence of Indonesian universities in forums like this opens up space for increased cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two countries," said Herry Purwanto.

IEF 2026 at PSU Pattani featured 30 Indonesian universities, introducing various excellent study programs, scholarship opportunities, academic experiences, and student life to prospective international students. Participating universities included the Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), the State University of Malang (UM), Multimedia Nusantara University (UMN), and the Indonesian Institute of the Arts Yogyakarta (ISI Yogyakarta).

During the University Exhibition and Booth Visits session, the UPNVJ booth was one of the most popular spots among students from Southern Thailand. From the exhibition's opening at 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time, visitors flocked to learn about study programs, the education system, student life, and opportunities to continue their studies in Jakarta.

One of the visitors who helped service the UPNVJ booth, Dira, a student at Prince of Songkla University (PSU), saw the high interest of Southern Thai students in Indonesian higher education.

"Many students come and ask about study programs, student life, and their experiences studying in Jakarta. They're interested in learning about study opportunities in Indonesia, especially at UPNVJ," said Dira.

In this participation, UPNVJ brought the concept of the National Defense Campus as a university identity that is not only oriented towards developing academic competencies, but also character formation, leadership, and social contributions at the global level.

UPNVJ Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm, emphasized that the internationalization of higher education is part of the university's strategy in providing education that is relevant to global challenges.

"For international students, UPNVJ offers Jakarta as a true classroom. We don't place international students in isolated study bubbles, but rather provide direct access to the economic, political, and largest digital ecosystem hub in Southeast Asia," said Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm.

According to him, the concept of Jakarta as a "learning space" allows international students to gain academic experience directly connected to the dynamics of society. Students not only learn theory in the classroom but also understand the developments in economics, technology, government, and social life in one of Southeast Asia's growth centers.

Through participation in the 2026 Indonesia Education Fair, UPNVJ continues to expand its international educational network while introducing the quality of Indonesian higher education to the global community. Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm., emphasized that openness to international collaboration is a crucial step in producing competent graduates with integrity, a national defense character, and the ability to make real contributions to the nation and the world.