Mataram, University of Mataram — The University of Mataram (Unram), in recognition of its dedication to international student collaboration, was awarded an International Certificate by the Mandalika International Festival (MIF), the Asia Pacific Institute for Event Management (APIEM) United Kingdom (UK), and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenparekraf RI). The award ceremony took place on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Rector’s Reception Hall.

MIF Event Director, Sirajudin, stated that the presentation of the international certificate from APIEM UK, the Ministry of Tourism through the Deputy for Event Organization and Development, and MIF was part of the Mandalika International Festival series held on December 12–14, 2025, at the Mandalika MotoGP Circuit.

There are five criteria for receiving this award. Among them are the frequency of collaborations conducted at both national and international levels, as well as the creativity demonstrated by universities, provincial and regional governments, institutions, communities, and state-owned enterprises in fostering collaboration.

Furthermore, the university has developed strategies to attract foreign tourists, domestic visitors, investors, and international students to its campus. This includes organizing tourism seminars and actively promoting activities through its social media platforms.

According to Sirajudin, Unram successfully met all five criteria. In particular, over the past three years, the university has been recognized as active, collaborative, and creative in supporting the organization of both national and international tourism events.

“We know that Unram has been very active in providing support related to the Mandalika area, as well as tourism activities and events in West Nusa Tenggara, whether through research, community service, or teaching,” he said.

In addition, Sirajudin noted that Unram is one of the universities in Indonesia capable of attracting a significant number of international students. Unram has also been an active supporter of the Mandalika International Festival (MIF) and has been extensively involved in its management.

“Unram is also highly active in organizing events on its campus, both at the national and international levels,” explained Sirajudin.

The positive collaboration between MIF and the university, particularly Unram, has been able to foster creativity that brings meaningful impact to society.

Rector of Unram, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D., warmly welcomed and expressed his appreciation for the award. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to continuously supporting tourism programs in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and across Indonesia. “Therefore we, both students and lecturers, through our study programs will continue to support these initiatives,” he stated.

Unram’s support for tourism development is ongoing, particularly through efforts to enhance the quality of the Master’s Program in Tourism Planning (MPK) as well as the competence of its lecturers and students.

In addition, Unram actively engages its students in competitions that have the potential to draw both domestic and international tourists. “We also collaborate with a number of national and international institutions to advance tourism development in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB),” he emphasized.